Laser-Assisted Endodontic Surgery in Finchley

Laser endodontic surgery is not a first-line treatment but a highly effective option for specific, complex situations. You're a likely candidate if a previous root canal treatment has failed and infection persists, sometimes years later. It is also the standard of care for an apicoectomy, a procedure to treat infection at the very tip of the tooth's root. Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, may recommend it when your tooth has complex anatomy, like tiny accessory canals that are difficult to clean with traditional files. The laser's energy reaches these spaces, offering a high success rate for apicoectomies.

Your treatment is planned for precision and comfort. First, you have a 60-minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth's root structure and diagnose the issue. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes. After giving local anaesthetic, a small gum incision is made. Under a dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy reaches the root tip. The laser then removes infected tissue and disinfects the area. Finally, a small filling seals the root end and the gum is stitched. You return in about a week for a brief 15-minute check on healing.

Recovery tends to be quicker and more comfortable than older techniques. In the first 24-48 hours expect mild swelling and tenderness, manageable with ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side for a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Keep the area clean by rinsing with saltwater after meals starting the day after surgery. Red flags during office hours: increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding, or fever. For emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

The main alternative to laser-assisted surgery is a conventional apicoectomy. Both aim to resolve infection, but the laser offers clear benefits. Its beam is highly precise, allowing removal of infected tissue with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The laser energy also sterilises the area more effectively than rinses alone, reducing the risk of reinfection. Patients often report less post-operative discomfort and faster healing with the laser. A North Finchley patient with a persistent infection on a molar found relief after a conventional root canal failed, with the laser disinfecting a tiny lateral canal.

The alternative is tooth extraction. Our goal remains to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Extraction can lead to bone loss and shifting of nearby teeth. Replacing the tooth with a dental implant is a solid option but involves a longer process and higher overall cost, starting from £2,500 for the implant alone. Laser endodontic surgery aims to keep your tooth for the long term.

To make an informed choice, consider these questions for any provider in Finchley or elsewhere: what type of laser is used and what are its benefits for your case, do you use a dental operating microscope for all procedures, what is the reported success rate for this procedure, are 3D CBCT scans included in the treatment cost, what are the costs if the procedure fails or needs further treatment, and what postgraduate training do you have in endodontics or oral surgery.

Laser-assisted endodontic surgery is a complex procedure, and costs are determined on a case-by-case basis after a full assessment and 3D scan. A personalised treatment plan with a full breakdown of fees will be provided at your consultation. As a private practice, we are unable to offer this treatment on the NHS. However, we accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will help with paperwork for your claim. We believe in complete transparency with no hidden fees.