Apicoectomy

An overview of Endodontic Surgery

Why would I need endodontic surgery?

Generally root canal therapy is all that is needed to resolve problems associated with the injured pulp of a tooth. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient for complete healing and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save teeth not completely responding to non-surgical Root Canal Therapy is an Apicoectomy or Root-end Resection.

What is an Apicoectomy?

The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding affected tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A filling is placed in the end of the root, to prevent re-infection of the root. The gum is then sutured. The bone heals naturally around the root, over a period of months, restoring full function.