An apicectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a surgical procedure performed around the tip of a tooth’s root.
It may be considered when inflammation or infection persists around a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment and further conventional root canal treatment is not appropriate or is unlikely to resolve the problem.
Why might I need an apicectomy?
Root canal treatment is designed to remove infection from inside a tooth. Occasionally, disease persists or develops around the end of the root despite previous treatment.
Depending on the tooth and its prognosis, the options can include monitoring, further root canal treatment, an apicectomy or removal of the tooth.
What happens during an apicectomy?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic and a small opening is made in the gum to gain access to the root.
The inflamed or infected tissue surrounding the root is carefully removed together with a small portion of the root tip. The end of the root may then be prepared and sealed before the gum is repositioned and sutured.
The objective, where appropriate, is to address disease around the root while allowing the natural tooth to remain in place.
Is an apicectomy always successful?
No surgical procedure can be guaranteed. The prognosis depends on several factors, including which tooth is being treated, the cause and extent of the problem, the condition of the existing root canal treatment and the health of the surrounding tissues.
Dr Ali will assess these factors and discuss the expected prognosis and alternatives before treatment.
