Root-end Surgery

Occasionally, infection or inflammation will persist or develop after non-surgical root canal therapy. In some cases, conventional retreatment of the root canal may not be possible due to existing restorations, previous treatment, blocked canals, etc. These cases may require root end surgery known as an apicoectomy.

Following an evaluation and radiographs, your endodontist may recommend this type of procedure. During an apicoectomy surgery, the area is numbed, we will numb the area thoroughly with a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, an incision will be made in the gum to gain access to the infected root end of the tooth. The infection is removed along with the very tip of the root. A special root-end filling is placed in the tooth to seal it. Resorbable sutures are placed.

Following the procedure, an ice pack will be recommended. Medication may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort. Most patients will experience soreness, occasional bruising, and some minor swelling following treatment. Patients usually return to their normal activities the next day.

We will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the sutures. Complete healing of the bone around the end of the tooth will happen over a period of months.