Laser-Assisted Endodontic Surgery in North Finchley

Laser assisted endodontic surgery, usually an apicoectomy or root end surgery, aims to save a tooth when a traditional root canal has failed or cannot be done. It is used when infection or inflammation remains around the end of the tooth root. The procedure starts with a small gum incision to reach the root tip, followed by removal of infected tissue and the very end of the root, then sealing the tip. The laser part uses a focused beam of light to remove tissue with precision, disinfect the area more thoroughly than standard tools, and cauterise the site to reduce bleeding and support healing. This approach has a high success rate for saving teeth that might otherwise be extracted.

You may need this specialized surgery if a prior root canal has failed and infection has returned. It is also recommended when complex root anatomy, such as a sharply curved canal, makes a conventional retreatment difficult. A common scenario involves a patient from North Finchley with a root canal years ago who now has a persistent low grade ache or a small gum swelling that does not clear up. A 3D CBCT scan can show a cyst or stubborn infection at the root tip, making laser surgery an effective way to clean the area and resolve the issue. It is a definitive step to save your natural tooth when other options have been tried.

First, you will have a 60 minute consultation using our 3D CBCT scanner to map the tooth roots and surrounding bone. The surgery itself lasts about 90 to 120 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain. Dr. Reddy will make a small gum incision to expose the bone and root. With a dental operating microscope for magnification, infected tissue is removed. The laser then precisely removes the last few millimetres of the root tip and disinfects the area. A small, biocompatible filling seals the end of the root canal and the gum is sutured. A follow up at 7 to 10 days checks healing and removes the stitches.

Recovery after an apicoectomy is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have some swelling and mild to moderate discomfort, which you can manage with over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. An ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid biting on the treated area. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting to protect healing. You will receive detailed post operative instructions. Red flags requiring immediate contact include severe increasing pain after day three, uncontrolled bleeding, a fever above 38 C, or significant swelling that spreads. For emergencies outside office hours, go to A and E or call 111.

While laser assisted apicoectomy is highly effective, there are other options. A non surgical retreatment may be possible if the problem is with the original root filling, but it is not suitable if the tooth is fractured or the anatomy is too complex. Another option is tooth extraction followed by a dental implant. This gives a permanent replacement but is more invasive, takes longer to complete, and costs more. It also means losing your natural tooth, which we aim to avoid. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill chose an apicoectomy to save the tooth and avoid the longer healing time of implant surgery. We discuss these options, including their pros, cons, and costs, during your consultation so you can decide what suits you best.

The price of laser assisted endodontic surgery is set after a full assessment, since it depends on the tooth and its location. During your consultation we provide a detailed treatment plan with a transparent, all inclusive fee so there are no surprises. This covers the consultation, 3D CBCT scan, the surgical procedure, and all follow up visits. As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment but we do accept private dental insurance plans from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment so we can help with the claims process.

To make a well informed choice about your treatment here or at another practice in North London, ask a few key questions. What is your success rate with this procedure? How much experience do you have using lasers in endodontic surgery? Does the quoted fee include the initial 3D scan and all follow up visits? What filling material will you use to seal the root end? And what are the specific risks in my case, and what would be the next step if the surgery is not successful?