Microscope Apicectomy for Patients in West Finchley

An apicectomy is not a first option. It is usually needed when a standard root canal has failed and retreatment isn’t ideal. You might need an apicectomy if there is ongoing inflammation or infection at the root tip after a root canal. This can occur if small side canals remain sealed, a cyst forms, or a post blocks access. A 3D CBCT scan at our Finchley clinic confirms if this procedure is right for you. The goal is to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

The process prioritises your comfort. First you’ll have a consultation where Dr. Reddy uses a 3D CBCT to plan. The surgery lasts about 60-90 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision to reach the root tip. With the microscope, he removes infected tissue and the last few millimetres of the root tip. A small biocompatible filling seals the end of the root canal, and the gum is closed with tiny stitches. For example, we treated a patient from West Finchley whose crowned molar had a persistent infection. The post prevented retreatment, but the microscope allowed precise removal of the infected tip without affecting the crown, saving the tooth.

Your recovery is our priority. In the first 24-48 hours expect some swelling and mild discomfort. Use an ice pack on your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to help. Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side. Most patients feel normal again within a week, and stitches are removed or dissolve after about seven days. Red flags to call during office hours: increasing pain after day 3, fever above 38°C, or persistent bleeding. For genuine emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

While an apicectomy is highly effective, explore your options. The main alternatives are root canal retreatment or tooth extraction. Root Canal Retreatment involves redoing the original root canal. It is less invasive than surgery but may not be possible if the canal is blocked or if it has already failed. Extraction removes the tooth and solves the infection, but leaves a gap that requires replacement with a dental implant or bridge, which is usually longer and more costly than saving the tooth. We will always discuss which option is clinically best for your situation.

As a highly specialised procedure, the cost reflects the training and technology involved, such as the operating microscope and 3D imaging. The price is typically less than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. During your consultation we provide a transparent all inclusive quote with no hidden fees. Because we are a private practice we do not offer NHS services, but we accept dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss your coverage.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions when you consider a dentist or practice for this treatment in North London: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all apicectomy procedures? What is your success rate for this procedure? How many apicectomies have you performed? Is a 3D CBCT scan included in the planning and cost? What are the costs for the surgery and follow-up appointments? What happens if the apicectomy fails? Who will perform the surgery and what specific endodontic training do they have?