An apicoectomy is a common form of surgical endodontic treatment that focuses on the tip of a tooth root. It may be recommended when infection or inflammation remains around the root after conventional root canal treatment.
During the procedure, the gum near the affected tooth is gently opened so the dentist can access the underlying area. Infected or inflamed tissue is removed, and a small portion of the root tip may be removed when necessary. The end of the root canal is then sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering the treated area.
The gum tissue is repositioned after treatment and allowed to heal. The purpose of an apicoectomy is to address the root problem while keeping the natural tooth in place when the tooth remains healthy enough to function.
How Does Surgical Endodontics Work?
Your treatment starts with a thorough evaluation of the tooth and surrounding tissues. We review your symptoms, dental history, previous root canal treatment, and any concerns you have noticed since your earlier treatment.
Dental imaging may be used to examine the root, surrounding bone, and tissues more closely. This helps your dental team understand the location of the problem and determine whether surgical endodontics is the right option.
Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. A small opening is then made in the gum near the affected root. This provides access to the area that needs treatment.
The infected or inflamed tissue is carefully removed. When an apicoectomy is performed, the affected root tip may also be removed. The end of the root canal is sealed, and the gum tissue is placed back into position so healing can begin.
Your dental team will provide instructions for caring for the area after treatment. Follow up care may also be recommended to monitor healing and evaluate the treated tooth.
Signs You May Need Surgical Endodontic Treatment
Persistent symptoms after a root canal should not be ignored. Although discomfort can have many causes, ongoing symptoms may indicate that the tooth needs another evaluation.
You may benefit from an endodontic evaluation if you have pain that continues after a previous root canal, tenderness when biting, swelling near the tooth, or a recurring bump on the gums. Infection or inflammation visible around the root on dental imaging can also be a reason for further treatment.
Some patients may have very few symptoms even when a problem remains. This is why follow up examinations and dental imaging can be important when a previously treated tooth does not heal as expected.
Can Surgical Endodontics Save a Natural Tooth?
One of the main goals of surgical endodontics is to preserve the natural tooth whenever it can be safely and predictably maintained. A natural tooth works with the surrounding teeth, gums, bone, and jaw, so keeping it may help maintain normal chewing and bite function.
If a tooth is removed, the missing space may eventually need to be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or another restoration. While tooth replacement can restore function, preserving a restorable natural tooth may be a valuable option.
Surgical endodontics does not guarantee that every tooth can be saved. The amount of healthy tooth structure, the condition of the root, the surrounding bone and gums, and the type of damage all need to be considered before treatment is recommended.
Surgical Endodontics After Previous Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that has already received root canal therapy can sometimes develop infection or inflammation later. This may happen because the tooth has a complex canal system, bacteria remain in an area that was difficult to reach, or leakage allows bacteria to enter again.
When symptoms return, the first step is understanding why the tooth has not healed properly. Depending on the situation, conventional retreatment may be considered. In other cases, surgical endodontics may provide better access to the affected area.
At Elite Dental Group, we evaluate the tooth carefully before recommending treatment. Our focus is to identify the source of the problem and determine whether the natural tooth can be preserved.