Apicoectomy FAQs Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo

An apicoectomy or root-end resection, is a minor surgical procedure. It is performed when an infection or inflammation persists at the end of a tooth’s root after a root canal treatment. During this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum near the affected tooth, removes the infected tissue and the tip of the root, and then seals the root canal with a filling. The goal is to eliminate the infection and save the tooth from extraction.

It is recommended when inflammation or infection persists in the bone surrounding the tooth’s root, even after root canal treatment or retreatment. If antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications fail to resolve the issue, this procedure is necessary to remove the infected tissue and ensure the tooth remains intact without requiring extraction.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the apicoectomy. However, once the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure, and they can usually return to normal activities within a day. As for the bone around the tooth’s root, it can take several months to fully heal..

If an apicoectomy is not performed when necessary, the infection or inflammation at the root of the tooth may continue to worsen. This can lead to pain, further infection, and eventually the need for tooth extraction. The procedure is designed to eliminate the infection, preserve the natural tooth, and prevent further complications.