Microscope Apicoectomy in East Finchley

An apicoectomy is usually advised when a standard root canal has failed and the infection at the root tip persists or returns. You might need this if you have ongoing swelling or discomfort years after the initial treatment. It is also chosen when retreatment is not possible due to complex anatomy such as a severely curved root, or because a post and crown cannot be removed safely. We use 3D CBCT scans to get a clear view of the root and decide if an apicoectomy will save the tooth.

Using a dental operating microscope boosts the success of modern apicoectomy, with rates often above ninety percent. First you have a forty five minute consultation including a 3D scan. The surgery under local anaesthetic lasts about sixty to ninety minutes, ensuring you feel no pain. We make a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. The microscope magnifies the area so we can remove the infected tissue and the last millimetres of the root tip precisely. We then clean the root end and seal it with a small biocompatible filling. Finally the gum is closed with tiny stitches that often dissolve on their own.

Consider a patient from Muswell Hill who had a crown on a molar that still caused mild pain two years after a root canal. A 3D scan showed a small persistent infection on a root not reachable through the crown. A microscope apicoectomy resolved the infection without disturbing the expensive crown, saving the tooth. Another example is a patient from Golders Green with a front tooth where the root canal had failed, but retreatment was risky due to a large post. The apicoectomy provided a direct surgical solution to clean the root tip and preserve the tooth’s appearance and function.

Recovery after an apicoectomy is generally straightforward. In the first one to two days expect mild to moderate swelling and discomfort, easily managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Apply ice to the area for the first day and stick to a soft food diet. Most people can return to work within a day or two. Stitches typically dissolve within a couple of weeks. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water the day after surgery. Red flags during office hours are severe or increasing pain after day three, bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or a fever.

While apicoectomy is highly effective, it helps to know the alternatives. The main option is non surgical root canal retreatment, which involves reopening the tooth from the crown, removing the old filling, and re cleaning the canals. Retreatment has a high success rate but isn’t always possible, for example if there is a large post in the tooth. The other option is tooth extraction. That removes the infection but creates a missing tooth, which must be replaced with an implant or bridge to maintain function and prevent shifting of other teeth. Our aim is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, making apicoectomy a key tool for us.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions when you talk with our East Finchley practice or another provider. Here are some essential topics to cover: Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for this procedure? What is your success rate with apicoectomies? What filling material do you use to seal the root end? What are the total costs, including the consultation, scan, and follow up appointments? What are the specific risks in my case based on the tooth’s location? Who will perform the procedure and what advanced training do they have in endodontics?

The cost of a private apicoectomy depends on the case and the tooth involved; molars are typically more complex than front teeth. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. As a specialist procedure, this is not available on the NHS. We are a private practice and accept private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss your coverage and payment options. We aim for complete transparency so you understand all costs before starting treatment.