Apicoectomy Surgery

The word Apicoectomy comes from the greek word, “apico,” which means the apex or tip of a root, and “ectomy,” which means removal. If inflammation or infection continues in the bone around the tip of the tooth after root canal re-treatment, apicoectomy surgery may be required. During this procedure, the gum tissue near the tooth is retracted so that the endodontist can see the underlying bone and remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is removed and a small filling is placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal.

Discomfort is usually mild and handled with over-the-counter medication. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.

As a precaution, a biopsy is taken and submitted for evaluation to ensure there are no issues other than inflamed tissue. The results are almost always confirmation that there is nothing to be concerned about.