Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is a targeted, minimally invasive surgery intended to eliminate baterial involvement that persists after a root canal. In this surgery, the endodontist clears the very tip of the tooth’s root—known as the apex—along with any infected or inflamed tissue, and then caps the root end to block infection from returning.

Your Questions, Answered

Q: Are there alternatives to endodontic surgery?

A: In many instances, the only alternative to endodontic surgery is tooth extraction. Once a tooth is gone, it typically must be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to rebuild correct chewing ability and inhibit neighboring teeth from shifting. Because these courses of action often demand extra procedures or surgery on healthy adjacent teeth, endodontic surgery is generally the most biologic and cost-effective method for conserving your natural tooth and sustaining lasting oral health.