Apicoectomy

Curious About Apicoectomy Microsurgery?

Most services at Phoenix Endodontic Group are non-surgical procedures. Endodontic microsurgery on your tooth root is called an apicoectomy and is performed when other corrective actions, such as root canal therapy, have not provided a full recovery. While apicoectomies use advanced tools to locate infection in your tooth root, they are still brief procedures.

Here are answers to some questions patients often have about apicoectomy procedures.

Why is my endodontist recommending an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is not usually a first-line treatment. It may be used on a tooth that’s already had root canal therapy or retreatment and still has infection in the tooth or the adjacent gum tissue. Sometimes, there are more roots to a tooth than originally seen on X-ray or problems in the root that were unclear on imaging.

Apicoectomies can also be used to remove calcium deposits, remove a cracked tooth root that cannot be repaired, or treat a loose tooth experiencing bone loss.

How is an apicoectomy different from a root canal?

An apicoectomy treats infection in the tooth by cleaning and sealing the tooth at the root. The endodontist accesses the root through a small incision in the gumline. Bone in the jaw heals around the area over a few months.

A root canal treats infection by drilling a hole in the crown of the tooth and cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the tooth’s roots through that opening.

Does it hurt to get an apicoectomy?

There is little discomfort with an apicoectomy. We use local anesthetic to numb near the affected tooth. Once finished cleaning and sealing the root, we stitch your gum.

You may experience minor discomfort at the incision site, but it is easily managed with non-prescription painkillers. (Your endodontist will prescribe antibiotics if your tooth or gums were infected.)

How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy?

Apicoectomies are minor surgeries. Most patients drive themselves to and from the procedure and resume normal activities the next day. If you experience discomfort that doesn’t respond to pain medication, call our offices for additional instructions.

How successful are apicoectomies?

Especially given it is a procedure used after other endodontic options have been considered, apicoectomies have a great success rate. Recent studies show up to 97 percent of apicoectomies last at least five years, with more than 75 percent still in place after ten.