Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)

What is Endodontic Microsurgery?

Endodontic microsurgery, most commonly known as an apicoectomy or root-end resection, is a specialized procedure designed to save a tooth when inflammation or infection persists after a standard root canal treatment.

While root canals are highly successful, there are rare instances where a tooth does not heal as expected. In these cases, our trusted specialists use advanced microsurgery to locate the underlying issue, remove the infection, and preserve your natural smile.

When is Microsurgery Necessary?

If your tooth is painful or sensitive months or even years after a root canal, an apicoectomy may be the solution. Your endodontist may recommend surgery in the following scenarios:

Hidden Canal Issues: Sometimes, tiny fractures or extra canal branches exist that do not appear on standard X-rays. Microsurgery allows us to examine the root directly to find and treat these hidden problems.
Calcification: Calcium deposits can make a root canal too narrow for cleaning instruments to reach the very end of the root. Microsurgery allows us to clean and seal the root from the tip (the apex) rather than the top.
Persistent Infection: If infection spreads from the root into the surrounding bone, surgery is required to remove the damaged tissue and treat the root surface.
Recurring Symptoms: In rare cases, a treated tooth may fail years after the original procedure. Surgery can often save the tooth without the need for extraction.

The Procedure: 4 Phases of an Apicoectomy

We utilize state-of-the-art surgical microscopes and local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is comfortable and precise.

1. Accessing the Infection The endodontist gently retracts the gum tissue near the tooth to view the underlying bone and the infected area.

2. Removal of Tissue The inflamed or infected tissue is carefully removed, along with the very tip of the tooth’s root.

3. Sealing the Root A small, biocompatible filling is placed at the end of the root to seal the canal and prevent future infection. The gum tissue is then sutured back in place.

4. Bone Healing Over the next few months, the jawbone naturally heals and fills in the space around the end of the root, restoring full function to the tooth.

FOUR PHASES OF ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY (APICOECTOMY) PROCEDURE

Infected Tissue

Tissue Removed

Tissue Sutured

Bone Heals

Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)