Microscope Apicoectomy for Patients in West Finchley

A microscope apicoectomy is usually advised when a standard root canal has not fully cleared an infection or retreatment isn’t possible. You might be a candidate if an infection shows on an x ray even without pain. It’s also chosen when a cyst forms at the root tip or a canal blockage prevents retreatment. For example, a West Finchley patient with a crowned molar still had issues months after a root canal. Our 3D scan revealed a tiny canal branch at the root apex that only this surgery could reach. The microscope helped locate and seal that branch, resolving the infection.

The process focuses on your comfort and a predictable outcome. You will have a 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth and plan the surgery. The procedure itself takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Local anaesthetic numbs the area. A small gum incision provides access to the root tip. With the dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy removes infected tissue and the last millimetres of the root tip. The end of the root canal is sealed with a biocompatible filling, and the gum tissue is stitched. You return in 7 to 10 days for a brief follow up to check healing and remove the stitches.

Recovery matters for the treatment's success. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and mild discomfort. Use ice packs on your cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to control swelling. Pain is usually manageable with over the counter medication like ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Long term, no special care is needed beyond good oral hygiene. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice if you experience increasing pain after day three, persistent bleeding, a fever above 38 C, or a bad taste from the site. Office hours are Mon, Wed, Fri from 9 to 5 and Tue, Thu from 11 to 7. For emergencies after hours, visit A and E or call 111.

While an apicoectomy can save a tooth with a persistent root end infection, there are other options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction, you can replace the tooth with an implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable partial denture. Extraction is simpler at first but often leads to a more complex and costly replacement. A bridge requires preparing the adjacent healthy teeth. An implant offers a long term solution but takes about four to nine months. We try to save natural teeth whenever possible, as it is the most conservative approach. At your consultation we will explain why an apicoectomy is the right or not the right choice for your situation.

To make an informed choice, here are key questions to ask any provider serving West Finchley. First ask if they use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT for all apicoectomy procedures, as this is the current standard of care. Ask about their success rate with this procedure and how many they perform each year. Request a full cost breakdown that covers the consultation, scans, the surgery, and all follow up visits. Finally, confirm what post operative support is available if you have concerns during recovery.

As a highly specialised surgical procedure, the cost of a microscope apicoectomy reflects the advanced technology and training required. Prices usually start from £950, depending on the complexity and location of the tooth. This fee typically includes the 3D CBCT scan, the surgical procedure itself, and follow up appointments. There are no hidden fees. A recent patient from a nearby area required an apicoectomy on a front tooth with straightforward anatomy, and the total cost was £950. In a more complex case on a back molar, the cost could be closer to £1,200. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. However, we do accept patients with private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can provide the necessary documentation to help with a claim.