Apicoectomy
Surgical Root Tip Removal for Lasting Relief
An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a specialized endodontic procedure performed when a standard root canal or root canal retreatment is not enough to eliminate infection. This minor oral surgery removes the infected tip of the tooth’s root (apex) and seals it, preventing further issues while preserving the natural tooth.
At Gramercy Dental Group, we use advanced surgical techniques, microsurgical instruments, and digital imaging to ensure a safe, precise, and successful apicoectomy. If you have persistent pain, reinfection, or an abscess near the root of a previously treated tooth, this procedure may be the best solution.
Why would someone need an Apicoectomy?
Most root canal treatments successfully remove infection and seal the inside of the tooth. However, in some cases, infection lingers in the tip of the root, either due to complex anatomy, missed root canals, or reinfection. An apicoectomy is necessary when:
- A previous root canal has failed, but retreatment is not an option.
- There are small, hidden canals that weren’t accessible during the original root canal treatment.
- Infection has spread beyond the root canal system into the surrounding bone.
- A cyst or abscess has formed at the tip of the tooth’s root.
- The root tip has fractured or become damaged.
By removing the infected portion of the root and sealing it off, an apicoectomy eliminates infection and prevents future complications while allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need an Apicoectomy
If you have persistent discomfort or swelling near a tooth that has already had a root canal, an apicoectomy may be required. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic pain or tenderness in a previously treated tooth.
- Recurring abscesses or swelling near the gum line.
- A pimple-like bump (fistula) on the gums, indicating infection.
- Bone loss near the root tip, detected through X-rays or 3D imaging.
- Infection that won’t heal despite multiple root canal treatments.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a consultation with our endodontic team can determine if an apicoectomy is the best course of action.
Benefits of an Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy can save your tooth and eliminate infection, offering several key benefits:
Saves Your Natural Tooth
Instead of extraction, an apicoectomy removes only the problematic portion of the root, allowing the rest of the tooth to remain intact.
Provides Permanent Infection Removal
By completely removing infected tissue and sealing the root, an apicoectomy prevents reinfection and further complications.
Strengthens the Tooth’s Foundation
The surrounding bone heals and reinforces the remaining structure, helping maintain the stability of your bite.
Minimally Invasive with a Short Recovery Time
Using microsurgical techniques and precision instruments, the procedure is minimally invasive, with a fast recovery period.
Prevents the Need for More Invasive Dental Work
By saving your tooth, an apicoectomy eliminates the need for more extensive treatments, such as dental implants or bridges, which can be more costly and invasive.
The Apicoectomy Procedure: What to Expect
An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive microsurgical procedure, typically completed in one visit with local anesthesia. Here’s how it works
Step 1: Numbing the Area
- Local anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Sedation options are available for patients with dental anxiety.
Step 2: Small Gum Incision & Accessing the Root Tip
- A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth.
- The infected root tip is carefully exposed using microsurgical techniques.
Step 3: Removing the Infected Root Tip & Cleaning the Area
- The infected root tip (apex) and any surrounding infected tissue are removed.
- The area is cleaned thoroughly to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection.
Step 4: Sealing the Root with a Biocompatible Material
- A small biocompatible filling is placed at the end of the root to seal it and prevent bacteria from entering.
- This creates a strong, permanent seal, preventing future infections.
Step 5: Closing the Gum Tissue & Healing Begins
- The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured closed.
- Healing begins immediately, with bone regenerating around the sealed root over time.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth’s location and complexity.
Post-Surgical Care & Recovery
After an apicoectomy, mild swelling and discomfort are normal, but they subside within a few days. Here’s how to promote smooth healing:
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours.
- Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing near the treated area.
- Practice gentle oral hygiene, avoiding direct brushing near the surgical site for the first few days.
- Attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and sutures removal if needed.
Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, with full healing occurring over a few months as the bone regenerates.
Preserve Your Natural Tooth – Schedule an Apicoectomy Consultation Today!
If you’ve had a failed root canal or persistent tooth pain, an apicoectomy could be the key to saving your tooth and eliminating infection for good.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward lasting oral health!
Preserve Your Natural Tooth – Schedule an Apicoectomy Consultation Today!
If you’ve had a failed root canal or persistent tooth pain, an apicoectomy could be the key to saving your tooth and eliminating infection for good.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward lasting oral health!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apicoectomy
Is an apicoectomy painful?
Not at all! The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring complete comfort. Post-surgical discomfort is manageable with medication and resolves quickly.
How is an apicoectomy different from a root canal?
A root canal cleans the inside of the tooth’s root, while an apicoectomy removes the infected root tip and surrounding tissue. It’s performed when a standard root canal is not sufficient to eliminate infection.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients recover within a few days. Mild swelling and tenderness are expected but subside quickly. The bone surrounding the root heals over the next few months.
Will I need a new crown or filling after an apicoectomy?
In most cases, no additional restoration is needed unless the existing one is damaged. Your natural tooth remains intact.
What happens if I don’t get an apicoectomy?
If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the jawbone or other teeth, leading to serious complications and tooth loss. An apicoectomy eliminates infection while preserving your natural tooth.