A focused option when a previous root canal needs a little more help.
An alternative to extraction
When a previous root canal hasn't fully healed, an apicoectomy is often the most conservative way to keep your natural tooth.
Small, precise procedure
We work through a tiny opening in the gum near the root tip. Most patients are surprised how minor the visit feels.
Quick recovery
Most people are back to normal activities the next day, with only mild soreness for a few days afterward.
Usually one visit
Most apicoectomies are finished in a single 45-90 minute appointment, with clear instructions before you head home.
A minor surgery that protects a big investment, your natural tooth.
Sometimes, even after a well-done root canal, a small pocket of infection hangs on at the very tip of the tooth's root. When that happens, the answer isn't always to start the root canal over or to remove the tooth.
An apicoectomy lets us treat just that small area directly, through a tiny opening in the gum, while leaving the rest of the tooth and the existing root canal undisturbed. Our team focuses on this every day.
What we treat
- Apicoectomy on previously treated teeth
- Micro-surgical root tip evaluation
- Treatment for persistent root tip infection
- Coordination with your referring dentist
- Post-operative follow-up and healing checks
A small, focused procedure, explained step by step.
We'll walk you through every step before we do it. No surprises, no rushing, no jargon.
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01
Review and imaging
We go over your symptoms and any prior x-rays, then take fresh digital images to understand exactly what's happening at the root tip.
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02
Numbing the area
Local anesthetic makes sure the tooth and surrounding gum are fully comfortable before we begin.
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03
Accessing the root tip
A small opening is made in the gum near the root. We gently lift the tissue so we can see and treat the area directly.
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04
Removing the infection
The very tip of the root and the small amount of infected tissue around it are carefully removed, and the end of the root is sealed.
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05
Closing and healing
A few small stitches help the gum heal cleanly. Most patients are back to normal the next day and return briefly so we can check the area.
If any of these sound familiar, let's talk.
Bring any prior records or imaging, we'll review them with you and walk through every option before recommending anything.
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A previous root canal hasn't fully resolved the problem
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Persistent tenderness, swelling, or a bump on the gum near a treated tooth
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Imaging shows lingering infection at the tip of the root
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A small fracture or unusual root anatomy is making standard retreatment difficult
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You'd rather preserve the natural tooth than move to an extraction and implant
Apicoectomy, answered.
If your question isn't here, send us a note. We'll get back to you the same business day.
Ask us a questionHow is an apicoectomy different from a root canal?
A root canal cleans the inside of the tooth from the top down. An apicoectomy treats the very tip of the root from the outside, through a small opening in the gum. It's usually recommended when a root canal has already been done but a small area of infection at the root tip won't clear on its own.
Is the procedure painful?
The tooth and gum are fully numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain during the visit. Afterward, most patients describe the soreness as mild and easily managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen for a couple of days.
How long does it take?
Most apicoectomies are completed in a single visit of about 45 to 90 minutes depending on which tooth is involved and how much access is needed.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to work and normal activities the next day. We recommend avoiding hard chewing on that side and skipping strenuous exercise for about 48 hours. Stitches either dissolve on their own or are removed at a quick follow-up visit.
How successful is it?
Apicoectomy has a strong long-term success rate when performed for the right reasons on a tooth that's otherwise healthy. We'll talk through your specific case and what success looks like before recommending the procedure.
Will insurance cover it?
Most dental insurance plans cover apicoectomy as a medically necessary procedure. We'll review your benefits, give you a clear written estimate before treatment, and offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and HFD if you'd like to spread the cost over time.
Talk it through with our team.
Bring any prior records or imaging. We'll review them together and walk you through every option.
Other pages you might find helpful
A few starting points if you'd like to learn more before your visit.
About the practice
Our mission, values, and the way we care for patients.
Visit pageMeet your dentist
Background, training, and what to expect from your visit.
Visit pagePatient information
New patient paperwork, what to bring, and how to prepare.
Visit pageInsurance & financing
Plans we accept, payment options, and cost transparency.
Visit pageAfter treatment
Recovery instructions and tips for the days after care.
Visit pageFrequently asked
Answers to the questions patients ask us most often.
Visit page