Microscope Apicectomy for North Finchley Patients

An apicectomy is usually advised when a root canal fails and infection stays at the tip of the root. You may be a candidate if you have a recurring abscess, ongoing pain, or a cyst that has not healed. It is also chosen when retreating the root canal is not practical, such as when a new crown and post would be hard or risky to remove. At our Finchley clinic we use a 3D CBCT scan to verify that an apicectomy is the right option to save your tooth.

Your journey begins with a 60 minute consultation that includes a 3D CBCT scan to map the root. The surgery itself usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic, with no pain. A small gum incision provides access to the root tip. Then, under the microscope, Dr. Reddy removes infected tissue and the end of the root. The canal is cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible filling. The gum is stitched, and you return in 7 to 10 days to have the stitches removed. The bone then heals around the root over the following months.

To seal the root end completely, you need clear visibility. A dental operating microscope provides up to 25x magnification and strong illumination, helping us spot tiny details like micro fractures or hidden canals that would be missed otherwise. This level of detail is not achievable with the naked eye or standard loupes. A North Finchley patient previously had ongoing infection due to a small canal branch that was missed elsewhere; the microscope let us find and seal it, solving the problem.

Studies show microscope guided apicectomies exceed 90 percent in success, higher than traditional methods. The clearer view allows more thorough cleaning, a tighter seal, and less trauma to surrounding tissue, leading to quicker and more comfortable recovery. It turns the procedure from a last resort with uncertain outcomes into a reliable option to save a tooth.

After the procedure you may have swelling and mild discomfort for 2 to 3 days. This is usually managed with over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen. An ice pack on the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods and avoid vigorous rinsing or chewing on the surgical side for the first week. We provide detailed aftercare instructions. Seek help if you have severe or increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, or a high fever. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if symptoms occur.

When a root canal fails, options include retreatment or extraction. Retreatment means redoing the entire canal from crown to tip but may be hard if a post blocks access. Another option is to extract and replace with a dental implant or bridge. Implants are a good solution, but an apicectomy lets you keep your natural tooth, which we prefer. The procedure is usually less invasive and cheaper than extraction with an implant. We discuss all suitable options for your case at your consultation.

Cost depends on tooth location and case complexity. We provide a full quote after your first consult and the 3D CBCT. The fee covers the whole surgery, imaging, and follow-up visits with no hidden charges. As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept plans from major providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can help with the paperwork to claim for your treatment.

To help you choose, here are key questions to ask any dentist about apicectomy: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all apicectomies? What is your success rate with this procedure? What does the quote include and are the 3D scan and follow-ups extra? What risks are specific to my case? Who will perform the surgery and what are their endodontic qualifications? What are the alternatives if I skip the apicectomy?