Apicectomy (Root-End Surgery)

When is it needed?

Sometimes the lesion at the root tip of a root-treated tooth does not resolve: inaccessible lateral canals, a separated instrument, severely curved root anatomy or cyst formation can all be responsible.

There are then two options: redoing the root canal treatment (retreatment) or root-end surgery. A solution from inside the canal is always tried first; apicectomy is the last step to save the tooth once that route is exhausted.

The alternative

The alternative is extraction. When an apicectomy succeeds, your own tooth stays in place — worth more than any replacement, implants included.

How it is done

Under local anaesthesia the gum is reflected, the inflamed tissue at the root tip removed and a few millimetres of the root end resected. The canal end is sealed with a biocompatible material (retrograde filling) and the gum sutured.

The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes. Tissue removed is sent for pathological examination where indicated.

Afterwards

Swelling over the first two to three days is usual and is managed with cold compresses and the medication prescribed. Sutures are removed after seven days. Bone healing is assessed radiographically at six to twelve months, so the review appointments are spread out — but they matter.

This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.