Apicoectomy Tracy, CA

Also known as root-end resection.

The most common endodontic surgery is called apicoectomy or root-end resection. After a root canal sometimes infection or decay continues to be a problem. This can be treated with an apicoectomy. In some cases rather than a single uniform chamber, your tooth may have many tiny branches that can harbor infection.

Apicoectomy surgery removes just the very the tip (apex) of the root, where many infections originate. New technology and techniques to detect these hidden infections has advanced, so a follow up root canal can often solve the problem, but sometimes root end surgery is necessary.

What is an apicoectomy?

  1. In this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed.
  2. A small filling may be placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gingiva to help the tissue heal properly.
  3. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.