Apicoectomy (Root End Surgery)
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes the very tip of a tooth's root along with any surrounding infected tissue. It is typically recommended when a standard root canal or retreatment has not fully resolved an infection at the root apex. Rather than extracting the tooth, an apicoectomy allows the tooth to be preserved by directly addressing the problem at its source.
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, apicoectomies are performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein, who combines surgical precision with advanced imaging to plan and execute each case. The procedure involves making a small incision in the gum tissue near the root tip, removing a small amount of bone to access the apex, excising the infected tissue and the tip of the root, and placing a small biocompatible seal at the end of the root canal. The gum tissue is then sutured closed and the area heals over the following weeks.
Apicoectomy is a targeted procedure with a specific purpose. It is not a substitute for root canal therapy but rather a complement to it when non-surgical treatment has not achieved complete healing. The procedure preserves the natural tooth and avoids the need for extraction and the more involved process of replacement with an implant or bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an apicoectomy necessary?
An apicoectomy is recommended when a root canal or retreatment has failed to clear infection at the root tip, when the root tip has a complex anatomy that cannot be adequately cleaned through the canal, or when a biopsy of the tissue at the root tip is needed for diagnostic purposes.
Is an apicoectomy painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and patients typically feel no pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is mild to moderate and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the recovery easier than expected.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within a day or two. The surgical site heals over the course of one to two weeks, during which a soft diet and gentle oral hygiene in the area are recommended. Full bone healing around the root tip takes several months.
What happens if the apicoectomy does not resolve the issue?
In the rare event that an apicoectomy does not fully resolve the infection, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. The site can then be evaluated for replacement with a dental implant or other prosthetic option.
