Root-End Surgery (Apicoectomy) Costs in Finchley

The fee for an apicoectomy at our Finchley practice covers the entire surgical procedure, not just a single item. This includes the initial 3D CBCT scan, which is essential for precise diagnosis and planning. It also covers the local anaesthetic, the surgery itself performed by Dr. Ashok Reddy who holds an MSc in Endodontics, all materials used such as the root-end filling, and the necessary follow-up appointments to monitor healing. There are no hidden fees. The final cost depends on the complexity and location of the tooth—for instance, a molar with multiple roots is more complex to treat than a single-rooted front tooth.

Several factors affect the price of your treatment. The main factor is which tooth needs surgery. Molars in the back of the mouth are harder to access and have more roots, which increases procedure time and complexity. If the initial infection is extensive, the surgery might be more involved. We are a fully private practice, so NHS pricing does not apply. However, we accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We will provide a detailed, personalised quote during your consultation.

Root-end surgery is not a first-line treatment. It is typically recommended when a standard root canal treatment has failed and infection persists at the tip of the tooth's root. You might be a candidate if you have a persistent pimple-like bump on your gum, or if an X-ray shows infection around a root-treated tooth. It is also a valuable option when a tooth has a crown or post that makes traditional retreatment difficult or risky, as an apicoectomy allows us to treat the root-tip directly without disturbing the existing restoration. The main goal is to save your natural tooth and avoid extraction.

First, you will have a 60-minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan to map the root anatomy precisely. The surgery itself takes between 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy will numb the area completely with local anaesthetic, so you will feel pressure but no pain. A small incision is made in the gum to access the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, the infected tip of the root is removed, and the area is cleaned. Finally a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal, and the gum is stitched closed. The stitches are typically removed after 7-10 days.

After your surgery you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort for the first two to three days. This is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. An ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies for a few days and avoid chewing on the surgical side. You should be able to return to work the next day, though we advise avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 to 72 hours. Call our practice during office hours if you have severe, increasing pain after day three, a fever, or uncontrolled bleeding. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

Apicoectomy has a high success rate of about 85 to 95 percent for preserving a natural tooth. The main alternative is tooth extraction, after which a dental implant or a bridge is required to replace the missing tooth. Implants are a strong option but saving the natural tooth is often preferable. Another possibility is a non-surgical root canal retreatment, though this may not be feasible if the tooth has a well fitting crown and post that could be damaged during removal. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your clinical situation.

A patient from Muswell Hill was referred with a persistent infection on a front tooth that had a cosmetic crown. A conventional retreatment would have required drilling through and potentially replacing the crown. Our 3D CBCT scan showed a small, isolated infection at the root tip. We performed an apicoectomy, which took about 75 minutes. The total cost was £950. This approach saved the natural tooth and the cosmetic crown, delivering a more conservative and cost-effective result than extraction and an implant.

To make an informed choice, here are essential questions to ask when you consult with us or another practice in North London: What is your success rate for this procedure? Does the quoted cost include the initial 3D CBCT scan and all follow-up visits? What experience does the performing dentist have with microsurgical endodontics? Do you use a dental operating microscope for the procedure? What are the specific risks in my case? What are my alternatives and why do you recommend this treatment over them?