Root-End Surgery (Apicoectomy) Prices in Finchley

The price for root-end surgery at our Finchley practice reflects the complexity of the procedure and the advanced technology required. An apicoectomy is a microsurgical procedure that demands a high level of precision. Prices typically start from £950. This fee includes the initial consultation with 3D CBCT scanning for precise diagnosis, the surgical procedure itself performed under a dental operating microscope, and all necessary follow-up appointments, including suture removal. Please note the cost does not include a new crown or restoration if your existing one needs to be replaced. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and we can provide a detailed treatment plan with a fixed quote after your initial assessment. There are no hidden fees.

An apicoectomy is typically recommended when a standard root canal treatment has failed to resolve an infection. You might be a candidate for this surgery if you have persistent pain, swelling, or a recurring abscess near a root-treated tooth. It's also the best option when complex root anatomy, such as a sharply curved root tip or a blocked canal, prevents a conventional root canal retreatment from being successful. The goal is to surgically access the tip of the tooth root, remove the infected tissue, and seal the end of the canal to prevent the infection from returning, thereby saving your tooth from extraction. For example, a patient from North Finchley recently came to us with a dull ache months after a root canal elsewhere. Our 3D scan showed a small, persistent infection at the root tip that only an apicoectomy could resolve.

The entire process is designed to be as comfortable as possible. First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation where we use our 3D CBCT scanner to get a detailed view of your tooth's root structure. Next, the surgical appointment itself takes between 60 to 90 minutes. We'll numb the area completely with local anaesthetic so you'll feel pressure but no pain. Your dentist, who has postgraduate training in endodontics, will then make a small incision in the gum to access the root tip. Using a high-powered microscope for precision, the infected tip is removed, and the end of the root canal is sealed with a biocompatible filling. Finally, the gum is closed with a few small stitches. You'll return about one week later for a quick 15-minute appointment to have the stitches removed and for us to check on your healing.

Recovery from an apicoectomy is usually straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours, it's normal to experience some swelling and mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, during the first day to minimise swelling. Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies for a few days and avoid chewing on the surgical side. You should be able to return to work or normal activities the next day, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for about 3-4 days. Long-term, you just need to care for the tooth as you would any other. Call our practice immediately during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, or a high fever.

While apicoectomy has a high success rate (around 85-95%), it's important to know your options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. This involves removing the tooth entirely, which resolves the infection but leaves a gap. This gap would then need to be filled with a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture, each carrying its own timeline and costs. An implant, for example, is an excellent long-term solution but costs from £2,500 and takes 4-9 months. Another option might be a non-surgical root canal retreatment, but this is often not possible if the original treatment failed due to complex anatomy that can't be reached from inside the tooth. We always aim to save your natural tooth, which makes apicoectomy the preferred option in most cases.

To make an informed choice, here are essential questions to ask, whether you consult with us or another practice in the Finchley area. What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for planning and surgery? Is the quoted price inclusive of all consultations, scans, and follow-up visits? What are the potential complications, and how are they managed? What specific training and experience do you have with microsurgical endodontics? Understanding these details will help you choose the right provider for your care.