Apicoectomy Costs in Finchley: A Guide to Pricing & Procedure

An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is advised when a standard root canal fails and infection persists. It suits cases where retreatment isn’t possible. You may need this if you have persistent pain or swelling months after a root canal, or if a 3D CBCT scan shows a cyst or fracture near the root tip that cannot be reached through the tooth. A common scenario is a patient with a well-fitting crown and post, making traditional retreatment difficult without harming the restoration. In these cases, surgically accessing the root tip is the most conservative way to resolve infection and save the tooth.

The process prioritizes your comfort. First, you attend a 60-minute consultation where Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, uses a 3D CBCT scan to map the root anatomy and plan the surgery. The surgical appointment lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Under local anaesthetic, a small gum incision provides access to the infected root tip. The tip is removed, the area is cleaned with a dental operating microscope for precision, and a small filling seals the end of the root canal. Finally, the gum is stitched. You return for a follow-up 7 to 10 days later for stitch removal and a healing check.

Private apicoectomy treatment at our Finchley practice typically ranges from £950 to £1,500. The final cost depends on tooth location and the severity of the infection. Our fee includes: the initial 3D CBCT scan for diagnosis and planning; the surgical procedure itself under a microscope; all necessary materials including the root-end filling; and follow-up appointments for stitch removal and healing checks. There are no hidden fees. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed treatment plan with a fixed cost. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we do accept insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna.

Recovery from an apicoectomy is usually straightforward. For the first 24 to 48 hours, expect some swelling and mild discomfort. Use ice packs on your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to reduce this. You can manage pain with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the surgical side. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with saltwater after 24 hours. Most people feel back to normal within a week. Red flags requiring a call: contact our practice during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5; Tue, Thu 11 to 7) if you experience increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding, or fever above 38 C. For after-hours emergencies call 111 or visit the nearest A&E.

While an apicoectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent for saving a tooth, you should know your options. The main alternatives are: Non-surgical root canal retreatment: if possible, redoing the root canal from the top of the tooth may be the first choice. This is less invasive but may not be possible if there is a post or complex anatomy. Tooth extraction: removing the tooth is the simplest and least expensive immediate solution. However, this creates a gap that can lead to other dental problems. You would then need a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge, which involves a higher long-term cost and more extensive treatment. We will always discuss which option is clinically best for your situation.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, here are key questions to ask whether you see us or another practice in North London: What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D scanning for planning? What does the quoted fee include? Are scans and follow-ups extra? What are the specific risks in my case? Why is an apicoectomy a better option for me than retreatment or extraction? Who performs the surgery and what is their endodontic training? What happens if the procedure fails?