Apicoectomy in Springboro & Dayton
An apicoectomy is the removal of the very tip, or apex, of a tooth’s root, sometimes called “root end surgery.” This procedure may be necessary if you have persistent infection, pain, or swelling after having root canal therapy.
request an appointmentWhy an Apicoectomy May Be Recommended
If an apicoectomy is recommended by your endodontic specialist, it means your tooth can’t be saved through a root canal or other endodontic procedure alone. The purpose of an apicoectomy is to preserve your natural tooth by removing the infected tip of the root rather than losing the tooth entirely.
Beyond this procedure, the next option is typically tooth extraction. Because extraction can affect nearby healthy teeth, it’s usually the last option your endodontist will recommend.
How an Apicoectomy Works
To begin, we administer local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. An incision is then made in your gum to expose the root and remove infected tissue, followed by removal of the tip of the tooth’s root. Once removed, the root canal is sealed with a small filling, and the gum tissue is replaced and stitched to close the incision completely. Over the next few months, the bone around the root filling naturally heals.
Despite the complexity of this procedure, many patients return to their everyday lives the very next day. Slight discomfort and swelling around the incision site are normal as the bone and gums heal. To keep your recovery as comfortable as possible, we’ll provide you with a personalized post-op treatment plan suited to your needs and lifestyle. If a crown or other restoration is needed afterward, our restorative dentistry team can help.
Apicoectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need an apicoectomy after a root canal?
An apicoectomy is recommended when infection, pain, or swelling persists after a root canal, and the tooth can’t be saved through additional root canal treatment alone.
Is an apicoectomy painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Mild discomfort and swelling afterward are normal and manageable with your personalized post-op plan.
How long is recovery after an apicoectomy?
Many patients return to their normal routine the next day, though the bone around the root fully heals over the following months.
Will I need a crown after an apicoectomy?
Not always. Since the tooth’s crown remains intact during this procedure, a new crown isn’t automatically required, but our team will evaluate whether restoration is needed.
What’s the alternative to an apicoectomy?
If an apicoectomy isn’t successful or isn’t recommended for your case, tooth extraction is typically the next option, though it’s usually considered a last resort.
How do I know if I need an apicoectomy?
Your general dentist or endodontist will typically identify the need for an apicoectomy through an exam and imaging, particularly if you have ongoing symptoms after a root canal.
Save Your Natural Tooth with an Apicoectomy
For more information on apicoectomies or to schedule an appointment, contact our Springboro or Dayton team today at .
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