Apicoectomy Costs in North Finchley: A Clear Guide

Private clinics in North London typically charge £750 to £1,500 for an apicoectomy. Price depends on the tooth location; back molars are more complex than front teeth, and the root structure adds to the work. Our fee covers the initial consultation, a precise 3D CBCT scan to map the root, the surgery under a microscope, and all follow-up appointments. There are no hidden fees. For example, a North Finchley patient had a molar infection and paid £1,250, including the scan and a check two weeks later. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which helps cover part of the cost.

An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is advised when a previous root canal has failed and infection remains at the tip of the root. You need this procedure if a standard retreatment cannot proceed because a crown or post cannot be removed. It also helps treat cysts or tricky anatomy like a hooked root tip that instruments from inside the tooth cannot reach. A recent case used a 3D scan showing a small cyst causing discomfort years after the initial root canal; the apicoectomy resolved the issue and saved the tooth. Success rates for this procedure are high, typically between 85 and 95 percent, offering a reliable long-term result.

Your treatment at our Finchley clinic focuses on comfort and precision. First, you have a 60-minute consultation with Dr. Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, and uses a 3D CBCT to map the root and plan the surgery. The procedure itself lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel pressure but not pain. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision, removes infected tissue and the root tip, and places a small filling to seal the end of the root. The gum is closed with a few stitches. You return about one week later for a 15-minute follow-up to remove the stitches and check healing.

Recovery is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild swelling and discomfort, managed with ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the surgical site. Brush normally, but be gentle around the stitches. Most patients return to work the next day. Call during office hours if pain worsens after day three, if bleeding cannot be controlled, or if you have a fever. For genuine emergencies outside hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A and E.

While an apicoectomy can save a tooth, we discuss other options. The main ones are non-surgical root canal retreatment or tooth extraction. Retreatment involves redoing the original root canal, but a post or restoration might block this. Extraction removes the infection but creates a gap that needs an implant or bridge, increasing total cost and time. Our goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, and an apicoectomy is often the best way to achieve that.

To help you choose wisely, here are key questions for any provider in North London. What is your success rate with this procedure? Does the quoted price include the 3D CBCT scan and all follow-up visits? What magnification do you use during the surgery, and is a microscope available? What signs of failure should I watch for long term? Who performs the procedure and what postgraduate endodontic training do they have? Asking these questions helps you understand the quality of care you will receive.