What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery to treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment but failed to heal. It’s also known as a root-end resection or root-end surgery.

During a conventional root canal procedure, the dentist removes the inflamed or infected tissue from the tooth’s canal, cleans it, and fills it with a material to prevent further infection. Sometimes the tooth doesn’t heal properly, and infection persists. In such cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading further.

Benefits of Apicoectomy

There are several benefits to having an apicoectomy performed, including:

• Saving the Natural Tooth: An apicoectomy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your overall oral health.
• Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, an apicoectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision in the gum tissue.
• High Success Rate: With proper care and maintenance, an apicoectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent.
• Short Recovery Time: The recovery process for an apicoectomy is usually quick and easy, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

Candidacy for Apicoectomy

Your endodontist will evaluate your case and determine if an apicoectomy procedure is best for you. Here are some factors that may make you a good candidate for an apicoectomy:

• Failed Root Canal Treatment: If you’ve already undergone a root canal treatment, but the tooth has failed to heal, an apicoectomy may be necessary to save the tooth.
• Infection or Abscess: If there’s an infection or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root, an apicoectomy can remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage.
• Narrow or Curved Canals: If the canals in your tooth are narrow or curved, it may be difficult for your endodontist to clean them properly during a traditional root canal treatment. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary to remove any remaining infected tissue.
• Proximity to Important Structures: If the affected tooth is near nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy may be the best option to avoid damaging these structures during the procedure.

The Apicoectomy Process

An apicoectomy is usually performed using a local anesthetic which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Dental sedation can also help the patient relax during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the case’s complexity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Your endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the tooth to access the root tip.
2. They’ll then use specialized instruments to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean the root tip.
3. Once the root tip is cleaned, your endodontist will fill it with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
4. The gum tissue will be sutured back in place to promote healing.

After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions for post-operative care. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions