Root-end resection of teeth

What is an apicoectomy (root-end resection)?

An apicoectomy is a procedure performed by an endodontist or an oral surgeon. Its goal is to remove the infected or damaged tip of a tooth’s root and the surrounding tissues that may be causing pain, inflammation, or infection. The procedure involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to access the root apex, removing the root tip, and then cleaning and sealing the area.

When is an apicoectomy necessary?
An apicoectomy is usually recommended when root canal treatment has failed or is not possible due to anatomical limitations, such as the shape or curvature of the root.

Common reasons for root canal failure include:

• the tooth has a crack or fracture,
• the root canal was not performed correctly,
• the tooth has multiple canals that were not treated,
• the tooth has a curved or narrow root that was not adequately cleaned or filled during root canal therapy.

In some cases, the tooth may be too damaged or infected to save, and extraction may be the best option. As an alternative, an apicoectomy can allow the tooth to be saved and help prevent further damage or infection.

Benefits of an apicoectomy

One of the main benefits of an apicoectomy is that it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth, which can offer several advantages, including:

• maintaining proper chewing and speech,
• preserving a natural appearance and smile,
• avoiding more extensive and costly dental work, such as a bridge or implant,
• preventing potential complications after extraction, such as dry socket or loss of jawbone density.

In addition, a root-end resection is a minimally invasive procedure that typically has a short recovery time, allowing patients to return to normal activities relatively quickly.

An apicoectomy is a common oral surgery used to treat teeth that have not healed properly after root canal therapy or when a conventional root canal is not feasible. The procedure removes the root tip and surrounding tissues to eliminate infection or damage. It offers many benefits, including preserving natural teeth, avoiding more extensive treatments, and enabling a short recovery period. If you think you may need an apicoectomy, consult our dentist or endodontist to discuss your options.