Apicoectomy
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy?
The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
An apicoectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure in which the tip (apex) of a tooth’s root is removed along with any surrounding infected tissue.
It’s usually done when:
A root canal treatment has failed to completely eliminate infection or inflammation.
There is persistent pain, swelling, or infection near the tip of the tooth’s root despite previous treatment.
A fracture or anatomical issue at the root tip is preventing healing.
How it’s performed:
The dentist or endodontist makes a small incision in the gum near the affected tooth.
The underlying bone is exposed and a small portion is removed to access the tooth’s root tip.
The infected root tip and surrounding tissue are removed.
The root canal end is cleaned and sealed with a small filling material.
The gum is sutured closed, and the area is allowed to heal.
Benefits:
Helps save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
Removes localized infection that can’t be reached with a standard root canal.
Recovery:
Mild discomfort and swelling are common for a few days.
Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
A Root Canal vs. Apicoectomy
A root canal works from the inside of the tooth, cleaning the entire canal system.
An apicoectomy works from the outside of the tooth, targeting the root tip directly.
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