Due to a complex structure of root canals, infectious debris can sometimes slip under the dentist’s radar and be left behind after endodontic therapy. The infection keeps spreading and causes chronic inflammation. That’s where apicoectomy comes in as a tooth-saving solution.

It is a root end surgery performed on a re-infected tooth that otherwise would need to be pulled. For a patient’s comfort, an apicoectomy is done with local anesthesia or IV sedation.

As a minor surgical procedure, it doesn’t last too long, especially when performed on front teeth. A gum is cut and lifted in order to remove the tip of the tooth root and the inflamed tissues. The root’s end (apex) is further sealed with a special filling (Super-EBA). Lastly, the tooth area is often grafted with the bone for remodeling purposes.

With the current trend for dental implants, apicoectomies are becoming less popular. However, there are certain conditions when apicoectomy is the optimal solution. To find out what treatment best suits your case, please schedule consultation.