Root End Surgery (Apicectomy)
Root End Surgery (Apicectomy)
An apicectomy is a minor procedure that involves removing the end of the root of a dead tooth and sealing the end with a filling. The surgery is recommended in the event that root-canal treatment is not working as expected, or has become infected which can become very painful.
Why You Might Need An Apicectomy
You may require this method of treatment in the event of a hole appearing or an infection developing, which can happen when root-canal treatment is unsuccessful. Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical advice in order to stop any infection from spreading across the body, as this can lead to serious illness.
A successful apicectomy will treat a damaged or infected tooth by removing the end of the root. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced risk of infection spreading from the mouth to the rest of the body
- No discomfort when talking, eating or drinking
- No need for the infected tooth to be completed extracted
What Does An Apicectomy Involve?
A small incision is made above the tooth in the gum, and the end of the root is then cleaned and trimmed. The surgeon may have to drill away a portion at the end of the tooth in order to remove any infected bone or tissue. An additional sealant (retrograde root filling) may also be applied to seal the end of the root.
An apicectomy is usually performed under local anaesthetic, although other techniques, such as general anaesthetic and sedation, can also be used for the surgery. The surgeon will close the gum with dissolvable stitches following completion of the procedure.
Recovery After Surgery
After undergoing an apicectomy, stitches will be removed two to seven days after surgery with swelling and soreness going away within 14 days.
We’d be delighted if you wanted to arrange a consultation with us. Please call the Private Patient Advisory Team for free and professional advice or submit a contact form here for more information.
Consultants that perform this procedure
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