Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy)

Endodontic surgery involves an attempt to retain a tooth which may otherwise require extraction. Although the procedure has a high degree of success, it cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally a tooth which has had root canal therapy, including surgery, may need to be extracted.

Endodontic surgery involves cleaning out the ends of the roots and sealing them in order to help the adjacent tissue heal properly. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic and is entirely comfortable. A small incision is made along the gum line to gain access to the root tips. If a cyst or abscess or other diseased tissue is present it is removed and a biopsy may be done. A few sutures are placed after the procedure which will be removed about one week later.