Laser-Assisted Apicectomy for West Finchley Patients

An apicectomy is a last-resort option before extraction. It's suggested when a standard root canal has failed but the tooth remains healthy and worth saving. Dr. Ashok Reddy may recommend this if you have symptoms such as a fistula on the gum, ongoing pain long after the initial treatment, or swelling around the treated tooth. It is also preferred if a post and crown prevent reaccess for retreatment, or if a cyst at the root tip must be removed. The laser helps disinfect the end of the root, increasing the chances of a successful result.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We start with a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth and the infection. Dr. Reddy then makes a small gum incision to reach the bone and the root tip. With a surgical microscope, the infected tissue and the end of the root tip are removed. The laser cleans and disinfects the area, a key advantage over traditional methods. A small biocompatible filling seals the end of the root, and the gum is closed with dissolvable stitches.

You may have swelling and mild discomfort for the first couple of days. Swelling usually peaks by day two. Use an ice pack on your cheek for 20 minute intervals. Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy items. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen is typically enough to manage any pain.

Most people can return to work within a day or two, but avoid strenuous exercise for the first week. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water after meals. Do not brush the surgical site directly until your follow-up. The dissolvable stitches dissolve in a couple of weeks. Full bone healing may take months and we will monitor this with a follow-up x-ray. Red flags: contact our practice during office hours if you experience increasing pain after day three, a fever, or persistent bleeding. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

Before an apicectomy, understand your options. The main choice is tooth extraction, which removes the tooth but leaves a gap that may need a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture with its own costs. Another option is non surgical retreatment, redoing the original root canal from the crown. It has a high success rate but isn’t always possible, especially if a large post is present. Our goal is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, and apicectomy is often the best choice when retreatment isn’t feasible.

West Finchley patients often come with a molar that had a root canal and crown years earlier. A persistent dull ache led them to us. A 3D scan might reveal a cyst at the root tip that isn’t healing. If removing the crown and post for retreatment risks fracturing the tooth, we may perform a laser apicectomy to clean the area and preserve the tooth and its restoration. Another example is a tooth with a well done root canal but unusual root anatomy that includes a tiny curved extra canal that cannot be cleaned with standard methods. This caused a lingering infection, and an apicectomy lets us access and seal the troublesome root tip, resolving the issue.

To decide what is right for you, ask questions when you see us or another practice near West Finchley. Inquire about the success rate for apicectomies, how many of these procedures are done each year, the benefits of using a laser for your case, whether a 3D CBCT scan is included in the assessment, the total cost including consultations and follow-up x rays, what happens if the procedure fails, and the postgraduate qualifications of the clinician. Dr. Reddy holds an MSc in Endodontics, showing advanced training in these procedures.

A laser assisted apicectomy is a complex surgery, and the price reflects the training and technology involved. Costs vary by case, but we provide a detailed quote after a full consultation and CBCT scan to avoid hidden fees. The consultation fee covers the diagnostic imaging and evaluation with Dr. Reddy. We are a private clinic and do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can help with any paperwork.