Root-End Surgery (Apicoectomy) Costs in North Finchley

Root-end surgery, or apicoectomy, is not a first-line treatment. It is recommended when a previous root canal failed and infection remains at the tooth root tip. You might need this procedure if you have persistent pain, swelling, or a recurring abscess near a tooth that already had a root canal. It is also the best option when retreatment is not possible due to a post or a complex crown. Our 3D CBCT scanner shows the exact infection location and helps confirm whether apicoectomy saves your natural tooth.

The process starts with a 45 minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan to map the root anatomy. The surgery lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and uses local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain. First, Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. With a dental operating microscope for high magnification, he removes the infected tissue and the end of the root. Next, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a small filling to prevent reinfection. Finally, the gum is stitched back. A follow-up is scheduled for 7 to 10 days to remove stitches and monitor healing.

Recovery matters for treatment success. In the first 2 to 3 days expect swelling and mild to moderate discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first day. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the operated side for the first week. Avoid vigorous rinsing or exercise for 48 hours. In the long term the tooth should function normally with good oral hygiene. Red flags—call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or fever above 38°C.

Root canal retreatment is often the first option, but it isn’t possible when there is a large post or infection isolated at the tip. Extraction and dental implant involves removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant. An implant offers a reliable long-term result, but our practice aims to save the natural tooth whenever possible. Extraction is more invasive and usually more expensive than saving the tooth with an apicoectomy. We discuss which option is clinically best for your situation during the consultation.

The price of root-end surgery depends on case complexity and the tooth involved. Molars are more complex than front teeth. A precise quote follows your initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan, after we have full details. There are no hidden fees. We operate as a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring policy details to your consultation so we can help with any paperwork.

A patient from North Finchley came with a persistent dull ache above an upper premolar with a years-old root canal. An X-ray at the general dentist was unclear. Our 3D CBCT scan showed a small persistent cyst at the root tip that was not healing. We performed an apicoectomy lasting about 75 minutes. The patient returned to work in two days and the tooth is now symptom-free. They were glad to save the tooth without extraction and implant.

To decide what works for you, ask these questions when meeting with us or another practice serving North Finchley. What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT planning? What does the quoted price include and cover the consultation, scan, surgery, and follow-up visits? What are the risks in my case? Why is apicoectomy a better option than retreatment or extraction? What filling material do you use to seal the root end?