Laser-Assisted Root-End Surgery for West Finchley Patients

Root-end surgery is not a first option. It is typically advised when a prior root canal fails and retreatment is not the best option. You may need an apicoectomy if an infection persists or if there is a cyst or root-tip issue that prevents a standard retreatment from succeeding. For example, a patient from West Finchley came to us with a crowned front tooth that remained uncomfortable months after a root canal. A 3D CBCT scan showed a small persistent cyst at the root tip, making apicoectomy the best choice to save the crown and the tooth.

The procedure is straightforward and focused on your comfort. First, you have a 60-minute consultation that includes a 3D CBCT scan to map the root structure. The surgery lasts 60 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain. A small gum incision gives access to the infected tip. The tissue and the end of the root are removed. A specialised laser then cleans and disinfects the area before sealing the root end with a biocompatible filling. Finally the gum is closed with a few stitches that come out after about a week.

Recovery tends to be quicker than many expect. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and mild discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid heavy exertion for a couple of days. Most people return to work the next day. Keep the site clean by rinsing gently with salt water. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call us at 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7) if you experience severe increasing pain after day 3, heavy bleeding, a high fever, or pus from the area. For emergencies outside hours, call 111 or visit an A&E.

While apicoectomy has a high success rate, with modern techniques reported above 90 percent, it helps to know other options. The main alternative is a non-surgical retreatment, where we remove the old filling, clean the canals again, and seal them. This is often possible but not if the tooth has a large post or a crown that cannot be removed without damage. The only other option is tooth extraction. Although this removes the infection, it creates a gap that needs a dental implant or a bridge to fill, which takes more time and cost. We always aim to save your natural tooth whenever possible.

Laser-assisted root-end surgery is a complex procedure requiring advanced training and equipment. The final price depends on the tooth and the complexity of the surgery. A full, personalised quote is provided after your initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan. The quote is clear with no hidden fees and includes the procedure, all imaging, and follow-up visits. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the cost.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, whether here or at another practice, you should ask a few key questions. Ask about the clinician's experience with this procedure and how many they perform each year. Also ask what the quoted fee includes—specifically, whether it covers the initial 3D scan and all follow-up visits. Inquire about the long-term success rate for their procedures and what happens if the treatment fails. It is wise to ask what technology they use, such as a dental microscope or a laser, since this can influence the outcome.