Endodontic Surgery – What is an Apicectomy?
What is an Apicectomy? An apicectomy is a minor oral surgery procedure which is necessary when infection remaining within the root is contributing to an area of bony deterioration about the root apex . The tooth in the majority of cases will have been previously root filled. An apicectomy is indicated when:
- retreatment of the root canal system is not possible without significantly weakening the remaining tooth structure.
- Access to the apical part of the root canal is not possible due to the presence of a post in the canal
- the apical part of the root canal has been unable to be prepared and filled adequately.
- infection remains despite satisfactory endodontic treatment
The procedure is carried out in the dental surgery over a 1-2 hour period.
- Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area
- An incision is made in the gum to allow access to the underlying bone and root tip
- The root tip and surrounding infected tissue are removed and the area irrigated
- A filling is placed in the remaining exposed end of the root
- The gum tissue is replaced and sutured in place.
You will need to return for suture removal 5-7 days later. If you live remotely arrangements can be made for your local dentist to remove your sutures.
