We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Apicoectomy?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 19,090
Share

An apicoectomy is a dental procedure in which the tip of a tooth's root is removed through an incision made in the gum and replaced with a small filling. This procedure is usually used to treat persistent infections which resist other root treatments such as root canals, and it may sometimes be used in lieu of a root canal if a dentist feels that this is necessary. Apicoectomies can be performed by endodontists, dentists who specialize in diseases of the root, or by an oral surgeon.

Before an apicoectomy takes place, a dentist usually x-rays the tooth to get an idea of what is going on inside the jaw. After reviewing the images and discussing the situation with the patient, the dentist may offer apicoectomy as an option. The advantage to an apicoectomy is that it resolves the infection by removing it altogether, which can cut down on oral pain and future visits to the dentist. The use of dental amalgam to fill the gap left behind by the removed root should also prevent the recurrence of infection.

The apicoectomy procedure lasts around 30 minutes. The specialist who performs the procedure is a dentist who has received additional training in oral surgery. Endodontists and oral surgeons both receive around two to three years of additional training after they qualify as dentists to learn about the specific issues which surround oral surgery. Patients are usually referred to an oral surgery provider by a general practitioner who believes that apicoectomy is a good choice for a patient.

Many patients experience oral pain in the wake of an apicoectomy. Pain management medications are typically provided, along with aftercare instructions which are designed to keep the patient comfortable and reduce the risk of infection. Special flushes and soaks with salt water or antibacterial solutions may be used to keep the mouth clean, and the patient may be advised to follow certain dietary restrictions, such as avoiding hot and crunchy foods while the site heals.

In some cases, a few small stitches may be used to close the apicoectomy site. Whether or not stitches are used, the patient must go to a follow up appointment so that the oral surgeon or endodontist can confirm that the site is healing properly. X-rays will also be taken to check on the progress of healing inside the jaw. When an apicoectomy is recommended to a patient, he or she should ask what the alternatives are, and what kind of pain levels and healing time to expect.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon338527 — On Jun 14, 2013

I am having one done in five days. I have a cyst that goes up into one of my sinuses. I am just hoping I will be better off in the long run.

By anon163117 — On Mar 26, 2011

I'm getting my done in an hour and a half. Can't wait! Not! My daughter had two done, and still had to get the tooth pulled. It goes fast she said, but the pain and throbbing come after the meds wear off. I can't wait! Not!

By anon151223 — On Feb 10, 2011

I had one two years ago and it still bothers me. The dentist told me it might always bother me, like a bum knee. I wouldn't go through this again!

By anon138352 — On Dec 31, 2010

i had one done a couple days ago. i also had one done two years ago. you will be in pain but it is worth it and is something you should get done!

By anon65224 — On Feb 11, 2010

I had one done two weeks ago I was given liquid valium - don't remember a thing! Was a little sore, but nothing too bad and I am a big coward! You will be fine. In fact, you will feel a lot better given the pain you have been in.

By anon37893 — On Jul 22, 2009

I am scheduled for an apicoectomy next thursday and I am scared to death...I have an abscessed tooth and I am on vicodin and penicilln...is this a bad thing to have done and painful??

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-an-apicoectomy.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.