Apicoectomy
When root canal treatment hasn’t eliminated your tooth pain, an apicoectomy offers a proven solution to save your natural tooth.
How apicoectomy works
An apicoectomy procedure involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to access and remove infected tissue and the tip of the tooth’s root. A root-end filling is then placed to seal the remaining root and prevent reinfection.
Who needs an apicoectomy?
Root canals don’t always solve the problem completely. While most root canal treatments successfully save damaged teeth, sometimes additional treatment is necessary to eliminate persistent infection or pain.
Your dentist may recommend an apicoectomy when:
- Previous root canal treatment hasn’t eliminated the infection
- Damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone need treatment
- Retreatment through the crown isn’t possible due to complications
- Persistent symptoms suggest ongoing infection despite prior treatment
What to expect during your apicoectomy
You’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure. We use local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain, and the entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Step 1
Small incision
We make a tiny incision in your gum to access the infected area
Step 1
Remove infection
Damaged tissue and the infected root tip are carefully removed
Step 1
Seal the root
A special filling material seals the end of your root
Step 1
Close and heal
The area is sutured closed and begins natural healing
Advanced techniques ensure minimal discomfort and faster healing times compared to traditional methods.
Recovery & healing
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You may notice slight swelling and tenderness for 2-3 days, which is completely normal for any minor surgical procedure.
- Day 1-2: Mild discomfort managed easily with recommended pain medication
- Day 3-7: Swelling subsides and comfort improves daily
- 2-4 weeks: Complete soft tissue healing
- 3-6 months: Bone naturally heals around the treated root, restoring full function
Return to normal activities typically within 24-48 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days.
What if your tooth can't be saved?
This isn’t the outcome anyone hopes for. However, if your apicoectomy doesn’t fully resolve the infection, we’ll discuss your options together. You may need tooth removal followed by a dental implant to restore your smile.
We have same-day implant options available, and our 95%+ success rate means you can feel confident about your treatment.
Preserving your natural teeth is our priority
Keeping your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction and replacement. Apicoectomy has excellent success rates, with most treated teeth lasting many years or even a lifetime with proper care.
