Laser-Assisted Endodontic Surgery in Finchley Central

Laser assisted endodontic surgery, usually an apicectomy, is not a first option. It is used after a conventional root canal fails and retreatment is not viable. You may be a candidate if a persistent infection stays at the root tip, often shown on a 3D CBCT scan. This situation can occur months or years after the initial treatment. It is preferred when retreatment is blocked by a dental post or a crown that cannot be removed without harming the tooth. A patient from a nearby Finchley area was sent to us with a persistent low grade infection on a crowned front tooth. A laser apicectomy cleared the infection from the root tip, saving both the tooth and the crown.

The procedure is careful and focused on patient comfort. You begin with a 60 minute consultation and a 3D CBCT to map the root and infection. The surgery takes 60 to 90 minutes and uses local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. A small gum incision gives access to the root tip. A dental laser removes infected tissue and the last part of the root tip with precision. The laser also sterilises the area better than conventional methods. Then a tiny filling seals the end of the root canal. Sutures close the gum. A follow up occurs after 7 to 10 days to check healing and remove the stitches.

Recovery from laser surgery tends to be quicker than traditional methods. In the first 24 to 48 hours you have mild swelling and tenderness. Manage this with ice packs and pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the operated side for a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water after meals starting the day after surgery. Red flags to contact us during office hours are persistent bleeding, increasing pain after day three, or a fever above 38 C. For after hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

While highly effective, laser surgery is not the only option. The main alternatives include: Root Canal Retreatment: If possible, re-doing the original root canal is often the first choice. This involves removing the old filling material, re-cleaning the canals, and sealing them again. However, this is not always feasible if there's a post in the way or complex anatomy. Tooth Extraction: This is the last resort. The tooth is completely removed. While it solves the infection, it creates a gap that would need to be filled with a dental implant, bridge, or denture, which involves additional time and cost. Our practice philosophy is always to save the natural tooth wherever clinically possible.

To choose what's right for you, it's essential to ask any provider in the Finchley area these questions: What specific type of laser do you use for this surgery and what are its benefits? What is your success rate with laser-assisted apicectomies? Does the quoted cost include the initial 3D CBCT scan and all follow-up visits? Based on my scan, why is surgery a better option for me than retreatment or extraction? What are the potential complications, and how do you manage them? Do you have payment plans or accept dental insurance like Denplan or Cigna?

Laser assisted endodontic surgery is a complex procedure, and costs reflect the advanced technology and expertise required. Pricing is determined on a case by case basis following a thorough assessment with our 3D CBCT scanner. During your consultation, we provide a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees. The plan will cover the surgical procedure, anaesthetic, all necessary imaging, and follow-up care. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will assist you with the necessary paperwork to help you understand and utilise your coverage.