Apicoectomy Surgery

What to Expect from Apicoectomy Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Benefits?

This minor surgical treatment targets the tip of the tooth’s root, removing infected tissue and sealing the area to prevent further complications.

If you’ve been advised to undergo an apicoectomy or are simply curious about the process, this guide by Dr. Dhaval Somani will walk you through what it is, how it works, and what to expect during recovery.

What is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a microsurgical procedure performed when inflammation or infection persists at the tip of a tooth’s root after a root canal treatment. Instead of removing the entire tooth, the dentist removes the infected root tip and surrounding tissue, then seals the root end to prevent future infection.

This procedure is typically recommended when:

A root canal has failed to eliminate infection
There is a fracture or hidden canal in the root
Retreatment of the root canal is not feasible

At Somani's Orthodontic & Dental Clinic, we use advanced imaging and precision techniques to ensure the procedure is minimally invasive and highly effective.

Apicoectomy Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Benefits

The Procedure

The apicoectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 to 90 minutes depending on the tooth’s location and complexity. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Diagnosis & Imaging: Digital X-rays or 3D scans help identify the infected area.
Incision & Access: A small incision is made in the gum near the affected tooth to expose the bone and root tip.
Root Tip Removal: The infected root tip and surrounding tissue are carefully removed.
Cleaning & Sealing: The root end is cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible material.
Closure: The gum is sutured, and healing begins.

Benefits of Apicoectomy

Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Avoids extraction and maintains your smile’s integrity.
Eliminates Persistent Infection: Targets areas that a root canal couldn’t reach.
Minimally Invasive: Less trauma compared to full tooth removal.
High Success Rate: When performed by skilled professionals, apicoectomies have excellent long-term outcomes.

Post-Apicoectomy and Recovery

Recovery from an apicoectomy is generally smooth and manageable. Most patients experience mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days. Here’s what you can expect:

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication can help manage discomfort.
Swelling: Ice packs applied intermittently during the first 24 hours can reduce swelling.
Diet: Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. Avoid chewing near the surgical site.
Oral Hygiene: Gentle brushing and rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash help keep the area clean.

Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days, and full healing of the bone may take several months.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure. At Somani’s Orthodontic & Dental Clinic, we schedule regular check-ins to:

Remove sutures (if non-dissolvable)
Evaluate healing progress through imaging
Address any concerns or discomfort

Long-term care includes maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and attending routine dental visits to keep your restored tooth healthy.

Apicoectomy surgery is a powerful solution for saving teeth that might otherwise be lost. If you’ve had a root canal and are still experiencing discomfort or infection, this procedure could be the key to restoring your oral health.