Apicoectomy, or endodontic surgery, is an endodontic treatment that involves removing the apex, or very tip, of the tooth root. The tooth root is the part of the tooth that extends into your jawbone and holds the tooth in place. Each tooth in your mouth will have at least one root, and in some cases, a tooth may have multiple roots. An apicoectomy is typically recommended to restore the health of the tooth when the tip of the tooth root becomes inflamed or infected. Our dentist may also recommend this treatment if a previously treated tooth has not healed properly or has developed a new infection.
When you receive an apicoectomy, our dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue near the tooth. This incision provides access to the underlying bone, allowing the end of the root tip, and any other infected tissue, to be removed. A small filling is then used to seal the end of the root canal, and our dentist may place a few stitches to help your gum tissues heal at the surgical site. Your bone will then heal around the tooth’s apex over the course of a few months.
For more information about apicoectomies, or to schedule a consultation with our dentist, please contact our office today.