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Apicectomy Emergency Appointments

Our dentists can help with failed root canals quickly and efficiently. 

Root Canal Complications

The Gentle Dental offers same-day and immediate appointments for patients experiencing the pain of an infection in the root of their tooth.

If you have recently had a root canal surgery and are worried that you might have an infection, contact us immediately.

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What is an Apicectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor procedure that removes an infection on the tip of the root of a tooth, usually caused by a failed root canal surgery.

Sometimes, apicectomies involve the removal of a cyst at the top of the tooth root.

A root canal usually fails due to nerve canals that cannot be cleaned, cysts or cracked teeth, or undetectable tooth anatomy.

Often this does not cause any symptoms, but the patient is usually aware of discomfort and occasional episodes of swelling, gum boils or bad taste.

A failed root canal infection is usually not painful and relies on X-ray evidence to diagnose the problem. The infection will show up as an unresolved black circle around the tooth on an X-ray.

Our dentists are on-call 24/7; if you have any questions or are presenting any symptoms, call us on 020 8224 7562, and our accommodating staff will be able to assist you and advise you on the next steps.

The emergency apicoectomy procedure

The procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the tooth’s location, the type of infection, and the root structure’s complexity.

Before the procedure, one of our oral surgeons will temporarily use a local anaesthetic or a nerve block to numb the sensation in the affected area.

The surgeon will lift the gum away from the tooth during the procedure to access the root. The infected tissue is removed, along with a few millimetres of the root tip.

You will be in the best of hands with one of our highly-skilled dentists, who will ensure the procedure is as pleasant and pain-free as possible.

You may feel some pressure and vibrations during the surgery; however, if you experience sharp or intense pain at any point, notify the surgeon immediately, as additional local anaesthetic may be needed.

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The healing process:

As the anaesthetic and nerve block wears off, you may experience some soreness and discomfort in the treated area.

Your dentist will give you medication to help relieve the pain. Minor blood spotting around the treatment area is normal, but heavy bleeding is not.

Recovery is usually relatively quick.

The sutures on the gum itself will tend to heal within two weeks, and it will take up to six months for the bone to replace the cavity under the gum where the root tip and cyst have been removed.

Can an apicoectomy fail?

There is always a small risk of bleeding, infection, or nerve damage, as with any dental surgery.

If the tooth becomes cracked or fractured during the procedure, it may have to be extracted, and the apicoectomy will not continue.

We use the highest quality equipment, and our dentists are incredibly experienced and gentle to ensure that the operation is thriving and there is minimal risk.

Following surgery, the main risk of an apicoectomy is that it does not relieve the patient’s symptoms.

If the area does not heal correctly or continues to cause pain, one of our clinicians might prescribe a second apicoectomy. Alternatively, the tooth may need to be extracted.

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Apicoectomy vs Implant: which would be better?

Sometimes, even our best dentists cannot save a tooth; an extraction may be necessary.

A missing tooth can cause embarrassment and self-confidence issues for some, not to mention the negative consequences on your overall oral health. Gaps in the mouth often attract gum infections, where the formation of gum disease may appear.

This can lead to further tooth loss and more severe dental issues impacting your oral state.

When you meet with a restorative dentist, Dr Ali Rifai, he will advise on the best next steps needed.

If you experience any discomfort or have any concerns at all, call us on 020 8224 7562.

Dawn SwansonDawn Swanson
10:27 24 Nov 22
I have been with the Gentle Dental Practice for 8 years, the care and service I have received has always been 5 star. I have recently used their new hygienist Nicky who is great. Looking for a new dentist just contact their very friendly and proffessional team.
George HorseyGeorge Horsey
18:54 15 Nov 22
Dental Impant Surgery:I had my dental implants fitted recently and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Ali and the team have done an amazing job since I lost my 2 front teeth over 6 years ago. I had to wait for the surgery for a long time due to my age and the issues surrounding having implants at a young age.I finally had the surgery 12 weeks ago and had my two new crowns fitted last week. They look absolutely amazing and the whole procedure was way less painful than I ever thought it would be.I would highly recommend getting your implants done at the Gentle Dental Practice, you won't regret it!A massive thank you to everyone at the practice!
Deeban SkandalingamDeeban Skandalingam
12:06 03 Nov 22
Fantastic work on my teeth and I would highly recommend! My teeth turned out better than I had even hoped for. If you are in need of any dental work, you would be doing a great disservice if you didn't speak to this practice first. The staff were extremely friendly, there were text updates and all in all an excellent service from start to finish. If you haven't guessed already, I am thoroughly pleased with The Gentle Dentle. Thank you!
Pippa HarveyPippa Harvey
14:54 26 Oct 22
Like many people, I have an immense fear of dentistry, and dentists, due to previous experiences.I had two broken teeth and one that had been treated incorrectly by an NHS dentist. I had been in daily pain for about 18 months, and had been put on a 6 month waiting list by my NHS dentist.I called gentle dental to explain my problem and they offered me a same day appointment. They were kind, compassionate, understanding, patient and validating. I’m not sure anybody ever feels completely comfortable in the chair, but It’s the closest I’ve ever come!The work needed was carried out, all of the staff were kind and welcoming, and it showed me that the dentist doesn’t have to be a dreaded place!Thank you so, so much gentle dental! I will definitely be returning.
Tilesh PTilesh P
15:45 14 Sep 22
Dental Implants - 3 New Teeth - June 2022I had the most professional and pain free experience when getting my new tooth implants at Gentle Dental. Honestly I put it off for some many years because I just didn't want to go through the pain. But my experience was totally the opposite. Ali and the wonderful girls were there every step of the way. All my questions got answered and I was reassured everything would work out well. And it did. I was worried for no reason.I did think about going abroad to have it done but when you consider the risk factor, time and professional standards - it made no sense to me. I have known Ali for a long time and knew I would be in the best hands and if there were any issues these would could be resolved easily.If you are thinking of having dental implants at Gentle - don't waste any more time. Just book and get it done.Was it painful ? No, uncomfortable for a few days, yes for sure.I just wish I had it done sooner. Thanks guys, love my new teeth 🙂
Edward CrameEdward Crame
13:43 04 Dec 21
Very happy with all aspects of the work they have done. Very clean, professional and well run business.
Lynn HuddartLynn Huddart
12:43 24 Nov 21
Dr Ali Rifai was professional and I am very pleased with the outcome of my Invisalign's. I have been with this practice for many years and would highly recommend. The staff are very friendly and nothing is an issue.
Jonathan PlumbJonathan Plumb
11:52 24 Nov 21
Can't thank this practice enough for all their help. I don't post reviews very often, so when I do, it's because an impression has been left! Dr Ali saw me at short notice to help fix a broken tooth. The nurse (I think her name was Danni) was so helpful and kind, as were the rest of the team. Thank you for being there for me in my hour of need (the same day i asked for an appointment!)
Eva AugustEva August
07:11 06 Nov 21
I’m so happy to find this practice. I suffer from anxiety and high sensitivity to pain. It was very stressful for me going to dentist after years of fear. The team not only make me calm and welcome but I FELL ASLEEP during treatment with Dr Marshall ! So understanding and caring. Thank you!
Marc NevittMarc Nevitt
11:35 11 Oct 21
I have been using this dentist for well over a decade and can honestly say my teeth would be in a far worse situation if wasn’t for the Gentle Dental practice.My most recent visit was for a filling .. barely felt the injection!I would highly recommend this dentist to anyone, but especially if you’re teeth require a high level of care like mine.
Emma BrauerEmma Brauer
08:44 04 Aug 21
This place was recommended to me by family and for a nervous patient the best experience. The reception welcome is cheerful and friendly, beautifully modern area with hot drinks and water on offer.I needed implants, crowns and bridges followed by whitening, so lots of appointments. My dentist Mr Ali Rafai was superb from start to finish, so professional and personable. Throughout the whole process I was cared for wonderfully plus lots of laughs along the way. The constant care during appointments was very comforting, no rushing, and I knew I my needs were Mr Rafai's priority. Plus check up call the next day without fail to make sure everything was going well.Absolutely deserves five stars!
Alan SamuelAlan Samuel
13:30 14 Jul 21
Fantastic experience with Ali. It took 18 months including bone grafting, removing and replacing failed dental implants, invisaline for my bottom teeth which were all over the place and some veneers but now I'm delighted with the outcome.Ali was always very clear about how this wasn't an overnight solution in an honest and forthright manner which gave me confidence that he would deliver results.I was offered several overnight solutions from other dentists locally at a fraction of the cost but when I see how much effort and detail that went into my plan, I know i made the right choice.
Kurt JohnsonKurt Johnson
17:48 14 May 21
I have got no complaints about this Dental Practice. They were all very friendly and accommodating and always professional.My dental treatment was also really good, everything went according to plan and the results are great!I am VERY happy with the outcome and would recommend them anytime!
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