Microscope Endodontic Surgery for Finchley Central Patients

Endodontic surgery is usually offered after a standard root canal fails or cannot clear the infection. You are a candidate if a 3D CBCT scan shows a persistent cyst or infection around the root tip of a previously treated tooth. It is also preferred when complex root anatomy, such as a very curved canal or a blockage, prevents effective cleaning during a conventional root canal. For example, a patient from Finchley Central came to us with a molar that had a dull ache months after treatment elsewhere. Our CBCT scan showed a tiny untreated canal branch causing the issue, making him a good candidate for this surgical approach. The goal is to save the natural tooth, and this procedure serves as a final, effective step before extraction.

The procedure is straightforward and focused on your comfort. First, you have a 60-minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map the root and infection. The surgery lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy numb the area with local anaesthetic so you do not feel pain. Next, a small gum incision gives access to the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope with up to 25x magnification, he removes infected tissue and the end of the root tip. The canal is sealed with a small filling to prevent future infection. Finally, a few stitches are placed and they dissolve or are removed in about a week. You then head home with aftercare instructions.

Recovery is generally quicker and more comfortable than many expect. In the first 24 to 48 hours, you may have mild swelling and tenderness, which is easily managed with ibuprofen and an ice pack on your cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies for a few days and avoid chewing on the surgical side. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Most patients return to normal activity the next day. Red flags during office hours include pain that worsens after day 3, swelling that increases after 72 hours, or fever or persistent bleeding. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A and E.

When a root canal fails, there are two main alternatives to microscope surgery. The first is non-surgical retreatment of the original root canal, which can be effective if the initial procedure was compromised. If the infection sits at the root tip or there is a blockage, surgery is often more predictable. The other option is extracting the tooth. While this removes the infection, it can lead to bone loss and shifting teeth. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge, which takes longer and costs more. With modern apicoectomy, success rates run between 90 and 95 percent, so saving your natural tooth is typically the preferred choice.

The cost depends on the complexity and location of the tooth. A precise fixed-fee quote is provided after your initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan. This fee covers the surgery, all imaging, and follow-up appointments, with no hidden costs. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will provide the necessary documentation to assist with your claim. We believe in full transparency so you can decide with confidence about your care.

To choose what works best for you, ask detailed questions with us or another practice in the Finchley area. Here are key questions to consider: Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for all procedures? What is your personal success rate with this procedure? Who will perform the surgery and what advanced qualifications do they have in endodontics such as an MSc? What does the quoted fee include and what are potential extra costs? What are the risks involved and how do you manage them? How long will the procedure take and what should I expect during recovery?