Apicoectomy

What Is Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy (root end surgery) is performed when conventional root canal treatment or retreatment has not resolved infection at the root tip (apex). The procedure surgically accesses the root end through the gum, removes the infected tissue and the last few millimeters of root, and places a small filling to seal the root end. It's a precise microsurgical procedure typically performed by an endodontist using a surgical microscope.

How It Works

Under local anesthesia, the endodontist makes a small incision in the gum near the root tip, carefully reflects the tissue, removes the infected bone and root tip, cleans the root end, and places a biocompatible retrograde filling (usually MTA). The gum is sutured back. Most patients return to normal activity within 1–2 days.

Key Benefits

• Saves a tooth that has failed conventional root canal treatment
• Highly targeted — doesn't disturb the crown or existing restoration
• Modern microsurgical techniques yield excellent success rates (85–95%)
• Typically completed in a single 60–90 minute appointment

Frequently Asked Questions