Microscope-Assisted Apicectomy in Finchley

A microscope apicectomy is usually recommended after a root canal fails and retreatment is not suitable. This happens when infection or a cyst at the root end persists. You could be a candidate if a canal is blocked by a post or if retreatment with a new crown would be too destructive. During your consultation at our Finchley practice, Dr. Reddy will use a 3D CBCT scan to decide if an apicectomy is the best way to save your tooth. The aim is to keep your natural tooth, and this procedure tends to be highly effective.

The process aims for comfort and a good outcome. First you have a 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map the root. The surgery itself lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy will numb the area with local anaesthetic. A small gum incision lets us reach the root tip. The microscope provides magnification and bright light, enabling precise removal of infected tissue and the last few millimetres of the root end. The end is sealed and sutures placed. A follow up is scheduled in 7 to 10 days to check healing and remove stitches.

Post procedure care is straightforward and supports a smooth recovery. For the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with ibuprofen. Use an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid vigorous rinsing or exercise for the first 48 hours. Minor bruising is common. Red flags requiring immediate contact include increasing pain after day 3, a fever above 38 C, or uncontrolled bleeding. For emergencies after hours call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

While an apicectomy is highly effective, there are other options. One alternative is a non surgical root canal retreatment if the canals are not blocked. If retreatment has failed or is not feasible, the other option is tooth extraction. After extraction the missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge. An implant is a lasting solution but takes longer and costs more. A bridge is quicker but requires preparing the adjacent teeth. We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible, and an apicectomy with a microscope aided success rate over 90 percent is often the best choice.

As a private practice we focus on advanced care with the best technology. The cost of a microscope assisted apicectomy is provided after a full consultation and 3D CBCT scan, since it depends on tooth location and complexity. We provide an itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees. We accept several private dental plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation and our team will help with the paperwork. Our goal is to make high quality endodontic care accessible.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are important questions to ask any provider in North London. What is your success rate with microscope assisted apicectomies? How many of these procedures do you perform each year? Does the quoted cost include the initial consultation, 3D scan, and all follow up appointments? What training do you have in microsurgical endodontics? Finally ask to see before and after images of similar cases to understand potential outcomes.