Apicectomy

An apicectomy also known as root surgery is the removal of the tip of the root of the tooth, known as the apex. This minor surgical operation, usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, is performed if infection or cysts persist after root canal treatment or if your dentist is unable to seal the root tip with a normal root filling.

This allows for the removal of the root apex infection and preserving the tooth versus the extraction of the tooth.

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth. The gum tissue is then gently raised away from the tooth to allow access to the infection and this area is thoroughly cleaned out.

The tip of the tooth root is then removed and special cement placed over the new end of the root. This sets very hard and seals off the root canal which could lead to another infection. The gum tissue is then put back into place to allow for healing. Sutures (stitches) are used to hold the gum in place.