Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery) is a minor oral surgical procedure performed to treat persistent infection or inflammation at the tip of a tooth’s root when conventional root canal treatment is unsuccessful. This condition may develop due to complex root anatomy, hidden canals, reinfection, or leakage around a previous root canal filling. If left untreated, the infection can continue to spread, causing pain, swelling, bone loss, and damage to surrounding tissues.
Diagnosis involves a detailed clinical examination and dental imaging, such as periapical X-rays or CBCT scans, to assess the size and location of the infection at the root apex. An apicoectomy allows direct access to the affected area so the infected tissue and the root tip can be removed while preserving the rest of the tooth and surrounding structures.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort and safety. During surgery, a small incision is made in the gum, the infected tissue and root end are removed, and the root canal is sealed from the tip using a biocompatible material to prevent further infection. Treatment planning depends on the patient’s oral health, tooth condition, and healing capacity. Post-operative follow-up is essential to monitor healing, ensure infection resolution, and maintain long-term tooth stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When pain or infection persists even after a root canal or retreatment.
No — done under local anesthesia; patients feel pressure, not pain.
Usually about 45–60 minutes per tooth.
Mild tenderness for 3–5 days, manageable with medication.
Success rates exceed 90% with modern techniques.
No, the crown remains intact; only the root tip is accessed.