Apicoectomy

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a dental procedure performed to remove the tip of a tooth’s root. This treatment is necessary when a standard root canal therapy or a root canal retreatment has not been successful in eliminating an infection or when an infection returns to the tooth root. Over time, infection at the root of the tooth can cause pain, swelling, and weakening of the jawbone. An apicoectomy eliminates the source of the infection, while allowing patients to keep their natural tooth.

What Happens During an Apicoectomy

During this service, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. Here is the step-by-step process for an apicoectomy:

Step 1: The endodontist examines the tooth and uses X-rays or 3D imaging to locate the infection.

Step 2: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure.

Step 3: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to expose and remove a small amount of the underlying bone.

Step 4: The endodontist carefully removes the infected or damaged root tip and the surrounding infected tissue.

Step 5: The area is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all infected tissue is removed.

Step 6: The tip of the root canal is sealed to prevent re-infection.

Step 7: The gum tissue is sutured back into place to be left to heal.

An apicoectomy is a treatment that provides a long-term solution for teeth that have failed to heal with conventional root canal treatment. When performed, an apicoectomy can improve the tooth’s longevity and function for a lifetime of good oral health.

Apicoectomy

What Is an Apicoectomy?

What Happens During an Apicoectomy

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