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Endodontics · Primrose Hill, NW1

Exploratory surgery for root fracture diagnosis in London

Exploratory surgery lets us determine whether a tooth can be saved or needs extraction by directly examining a suspected root fracture. This procedure provides the clinical certainty needed to plan your next step.

The time this procedure needs is assessed at your consultation with Dr Neha Patel, specialist in endodontics (GDC No. 150517), for the most accurate diagnosis of your case.

A precise assessment to determine your tooth's viability

  • GDC-registered specialist endodontist
Dr Neha Patel, specialist endodontist, at the endodontic microscope
GDC-registered specialist endodontistLondon Dental Specialists

Identifying the cause of persistent tooth pain

You may be struggling with a tooth that feels broken or sensitive, yet standard exams cannot find the fault. This uncertainty is frustrating. We use 3D CBCT imaging and microscopic examination to find the precise cause of dental pain, including cracked tooth syndrome and incomplete fractures. Combining these diagnostic approaches lets us build a targeted plan as part of endodontics in London. Dr Patel uses these tools to cut the need for exploratory treatment by identifying the issue before we begin. We also use pulp vitality tests and non-invasive sensibility tests to gauge nerve response and tooth sensitivity, which helps us preserve the natural tooth structure.

Panoramic x-ray and CBCT slices on screen

Specialist planning for root fractures

Choosing the wrong treatment for a suspected fracture can lead to unnecessary tooth loss. We prevent this through specialist-led planning. Dr Patel uses a diagnosis-first approach, so we only operate when it is the correct clinical choice. This starts with a consultation to assess your case and set out the costs before any work starts.

To decide whether surgery is necessary, we use precise diagnostics. This includes pulp vitality tests for nerve health assessment and thermal and electric pulp testing for tooth sensitivity, which help us identify the exact nature of the damage. We then use digital radiography to examine the tooth while keeping your radiation exposure low.

Dr Neha Patel, specialist endodontist, in discussion with Dr Ope Sodeinde
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Who can benefit from this procedure

We provide this diagnostic step for patients where a root fracture is suspected but cannot be confirmed through standard imaging. It is a common point of uncertainty. You may feel anxious about the possibility of tooth loss or further intervention, but identifying the exact nature of a crack is the only way to know whether the tooth is saveable. An endodontist performs this assessment to provide the clarity a definitive treatment plan needs.

If the fracture is not salvageable, we can discuss root canal treatments: which option fits or other restorative alternatives. We understand returning to the dentist can feel daunting, so we keep the environment calm and supportive. Dr Patel keeps the process predictable and transparent.

A dental x-ray of a single tooth on a laptop

Diagnosing root fractures

Mapping the root anatomy

We begin by assessing the tooth structure. To get a precise view of the internal damage, we use CBCT 3D imaging, which lets us identify the exact location of a suspected crack or break before any surgical work begins.

Surgical access and inspection

We carry out the procedure to visually confirm the fracture, using a small incision to reach the root and a microscope to examine the area. This precision helps us decide whether the tooth can be kept or must be extracted.

Managing clinical complications

Surgical intervention carries risks. We discuss potential complications with you at your assessment, and our team monitors the site closely to manage any issues that arise during the inspection.

Post-surgical review

Once the inspection is complete, we close the site and review the findings to decide the next clinical step, which may be root canal therapy or a different restorative plan.

Determining the final outcome

The final step is a decision on the tooth's viability. If the fracture is too severe, the tooth cannot be saved, and we explain the results clearly so you can decide on the best replacement option.

Clinical precision and proven outcomes

We use operating microscopes, precision instruments, and advanced materials for filling and canal disinfection, and the same magnification supports a precise diagnosis of tooth fractures during microscopic examination.

We use bioactive materials to stimulate dentine bridge formation, which supports pulp healing, and provide microsurgery to preserve the natural tooth and restore oral health.

The practice is led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, GDC-registered specialist periodontist (GDC No. 104071). Our clinical capabilities include root canal retreatment, apicoectomy, cracked tooth treatment, and dental trauma care, including luxation.

A patient positioned at a CBCT scanner

Verified clinical outcomes

We focus on the outcome of every procedure, in a calm, unhurried manner with honest, no-pressure consultations.

Root fracture diagnosis concerns

How much does exploratory surgery cost?

Fees are set at your initial assessment. We provide a full breakdown of costs once the clinician has assessed your specific clinical needs.

How long does exploratory surgery take?

The duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of the root structure. Your clinician gives you a precise timeframe at your consultation.

Is exploratory surgery uncomfortable?

Putting it off is completely normal. We use local anaesthesia for patients who feel anxious.

What does exploratory surgery tell us?

The goal of this procedure is to provide a definitive diagnosis of a root fracture. The outcome determines whether the tooth will survive or needs extraction.

Confirming the root fracture

We establish the suitability of this procedure at your initial clinical assessment. Dr Patel assesses the tooth to establish whether a fracture exists and whether the tooth is saveable. You can learn what happens at your root canal consultation and how to book to get a definitive diagnosis.

Our team provides a range of endodontics in London to manage complex root issues, with a focus on precision.

020 7589 7792

Diagnosing root integrity

A consultation with Dr Patel determines whether this procedure is the right path for your case. We use this appointment to assess the tooth and discuss the steps needed to identify a fracture, including pulp vitality tests for nerve health assessment and thermal and electric pulp testing for tooth sensitivity.

You receive a written plan and an itemised quote that is yours to keep and use at any other practice. You can arrange your assessment with Dr Patel to determine whether this procedure is right for you.

020 7589 7792

Dental operating microscope
Who carries out your treatment

Your specialists

Dr Neha Patel, Specialist in Endodontics

Dr Neha Patel

Specialist in endodonticsGDC No. 150517

Profile and qualifications

Dr Ope Sodeinde, Specialist in Periodontics

Dr Ope Sodeinde

GDC-registered specialist periodontistGDC No. 104071

Profile and qualifications

Patient reviews

What our patients say

Real, verified Google reviews from patients of London Dental Specialists.

“Recently had a tooth extracted and I was feeling anxious, but the staff was super calming and the procedure was quick and painless.”

Megan Kennedy · Google review

“This was my first specialist root canal treatment with Dr Neha Patel and I felt very reassured in her ability.”

Jordan CS · Google review

“A few months after a failed re-root canal treatment at a different Dental Surgery I started looking for a Dentist that I can trust and from speaking to Dr Ope I felt that he was trustworthy as he really cared.”

Sarah Faith · Google review

“Dr Ope and his team really helped to put me at ease and there was no pain at all in the procedure.”

Kirsty L · Google review

“My latest treatment at London Dental has been an extraction with implant insertion and gum graft followed by 2 root canal treatments and three new crowns.”

Lindy Stacey · Google review

“This required root canal treatment (completed by Dr Neha Patel) and then the fitting of a crown, after complex work to reshape the tooth (completed by Dr Ope Sodeinde).”

Andrew Budd · Google review

“It was a journey, but Ope and the team successfully helped me deal with an old root canal, failed crown and decayed tooth.”

Chris Williams · Google review

“Rather than the extraction, they carefully operated a root canal.”

Jingyuan Wang · Google review

“Ope, based on the condition of my affected tooth, why I should have dental implant as opposed to the root canal treatment (I really wanted to keep my natural tooth) I wanted.”

Sammy Adoki · Google review

“Follow up hygienist appointment by Miss O'Keefe and root canal by Dr Patel were the same excellent high standards.”

C Skerritt · Google review

“The tooth extraction was so painless I didn't even realise Dr Ope had extracted the tooth.”

Sarah Faith · Google review

“If I was having a dental implant I would definitely be running to sit in Dr Ope's chair as I know the experience would be pain free.”

Sarah Faith · Google review

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NW1

Where we are

111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

Tel

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020 7589 7792

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