Endodontic Surgery Costs in East Finchley

The fee for endodontic surgery, also known as an apicoectomy, is based on the skill, time, and technology required. Our starting price of £950 covers the full surgery under local anaesthetic, digital imaging including a 3D CBCT scan for precise planning, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The final price varies by tooth location and root complexity. In your 60-minute consultation we provide a clear fixed quote with no hidden fees so you know what to expect. We aim for open communication and to help you choose what’s best for you.

Endodontic surgery is not a routine first choice. It is used when a standard root canal cannot fix the problem. You may need it if an infection stays after a root canal, often shown as a small bump on the gum or a dull ache. It is also used when a cyst forms at the root tip and must be removed to let bone heal. In some cases the tooth root has a complex shape, such as a blocked or curved canal, making root-tip cleaning from inside the tooth impossible. In those cases surgery can save the tooth. We use a 3D CBCT scan to decide if surgery is the best option for you.

First you have a detailed consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map the root precisely. The surgery is done in one visit and usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so there is no pain. Then a small incision is made in the gum to reach the bone and the root tip. With a dental operating microscope we remove infected tissue and the last millimetres of the root tip. We seal the end of the root with a small filling and close the gum with tiny stitches. About a week later you come back for a check and to remove the sutures.

A Hampstead patient had a dull ache above a molar with a long history. A 3D scan showed a large cyst at the root tip that was not healing. Retreating the root canal was an option, but the tooth had a large post and crown, making access risky. We recommended an apicoectomy. The 90-minute procedure removed the cyst and sealed the root. The patient had manageable discomfort for three days and at six months the scan showed complete bone healing, saving the tooth from extraction and a dental implant.

Recovery is a key part of the treatment. For the first 24 hours expect some swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with ibuprofen. An ice pack on the cheek for 20-minute intervals helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the surgical side. Keep the mouth clean but avoid brushing the surgical site for the first week; we will provide a mouth rinse. Most patients feel normal again within 3-5 days. Red flags: call the practice if pain increases after day 3, you have a fever, or bleeding is not controlled during office hours. For emergencies outside hours call NHS 111 or go to A&E.

While surgery can save the tooth it is not the only option. Root canal retreatment involves redoing the original canal and is less invasive than surgery. It can work if the initial retreatment missed canals but may not be possible if a large post blocks access or if infections are outside the root tip. Tooth extraction is a last resort. It removes infection but creates a gap that can shift other teeth. Replacing the tooth with an implant or bridge is more complex and costly than saving the natural tooth. We aim to preserve your natural teeth and focus on prevention and conservation.

To make an informed choice here are essential questions to ask whether you meet with us or another practice in North London: Is the quoted price inclusive of the 3D CBCT scan? Does the fee cover all follow-up appointments including suture removal? What is the dentist's experience with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope for precision? Are there potential extra costs I should know about? What payment options exist and do you accept insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna?