Apicoectomy (Endodontic Surgery)

An apicoectomy is a dental surgery used when a conventional root canal does not eliminate all of the infected and dead tissues and nerves. The tooth might end up reinfected unless this surgery is performed. The apicoectomy eliminates the apex where the roots of the tooth reach a point. The nearby tissue that has been damaged is also removed. This procedure is considered to be a last resort, so our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey J. Toy, DDS, will only attempt it after one or several root canal treatments have been performed. The apicoectomy is ideal as it empowers you, the patient, to retain your natural tooth that otherwise would have required extraction.

The apicoectomy procedure starts with a minor incision made to access the gum tissue by the tooth in question. Once the underlying bone is exposed, a microscope along with additional equipment are used to remove the portion of the tissue that has become infected. The end parts of the tips of the tooth roots are also removed. The end portion of the tooth canal is then cleaned and sealed. A diminutive fitting is placed for the sealing of the root canal’s end and also to help prevent subsequent infection. The dentist sutures the gum tissue to facilitate healing. The bone will soon start naturally healing by the root end, ultimately leading to functional restoration.