Sometimes, an infection settles at the tip of a tooth’s root and becomes incredibly persistent. The discomfort doesn’t subside, and concern about the future of that tooth begins to grow. Is extraction the only way out? Fortunately, no.
It is precisely for these specific cases that a procedure called an apicoectomy exists.
Although its name may sound complex, its goal is very simple and powerful: to eliminate the infection at the root (pun intended) and preserve your natural tooth. So that you can perfectly understand what we’re talking about and feel completely at ease, we have prepared this guide. Here, we will explain why it’s done, how it’s performed, and what to expect during recovery.
Key Points to Understand What is an apicoectomy and why is it performed?
To begin, let’s break down the basic concepts in a very visual and easy-to-understand way. Think of this as the “executive summary” of an apicoectomy.
What exactly is an apicoectomy? Imagine your tooth’s root is like the tip of a pencil. An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure where we remove the tip of that root (the apex) along with the surrounding infection. Then, we seal the root canal to prevent future infections. It is, in essence, a second chance for your tooth.
When is it necessary? Generally, we resort to it when a previous root canal treatment (endodontics) has failed to completely eliminate the infection. Sometimes, the root’s anatomy is complex, with small canals that cannot be fully cleaned with traditional endodontics, and the infection persists or reappears.
Is it a complicated surgery? Not at all. Although it has the word “surgery” in it, it is considered a minor and very common procedure in the field of endodontics. It is performed right here in our clinic with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Who performs it? This procedure is the specialty of an endodontist, who is the dental expert in everything related to the inside of the tooth (the pulp and the roots).
The Step-by-Step Process: Your Guide to an Apicoectomy
We want you to come to your appointment with complete confidence. That’s why I’ll explain the entire process in detail, from planning until you go home with a healthy smile.
1. Preliminary Steps: Planning is Key
Before the procedure, the most important thing is to have an accurate diagnosis.
Consultation and Diagnosis: First, we will have an appointment to evaluate your case. We will talk about your symptoms and review your history.
Advanced Imaging: We will use digital X-rays and, in many cases, a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. This 3D technology gives us an exact map of your tooth’s root, the canals, and the infection. This allows us to plan the surgery with pinpoint precision.
2. During the Procedure: Comfort and Precision
On the day of the procedure, you are our priority.
Local Anesthesia: We will apply local anesthesia to the area to ensure you feel absolutely nothing. You will feel the same numbness as you would for a filling.
The Procedure: Once the area is numb, the endodontist makes a tiny incision in the gum to access the tip of the root. Using microsurgical instruments, the infected tissue and the tip of the root are removed. Finally, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed. To finish, the gum is sutured with very fine stitches.
3. Recovery: Care for a Quick Healing
Recovery is usually quite fast and with minimal discomfort. We will give you all the instructions in writing, but here is a summary of the main points:
Controlling Swelling: Mild swelling is normal. Applying an ice pack to your cheek during the first few hours helps a lot.
Medication: We will prescribe analgesics to control any discomfort and, if necessary, antibiotics.
Soft Diet: For the first few days, opt for soft, cold foods like yogurts, soups, or smoothies. Avoid chewing on the treated side.
Gentle Hygiene: You can brush your teeth as normal, but be very careful around the surgical area. We will recommend an antiseptic mouthwash.
In about a week, we will schedule an appointment to remove the stitches and check that everything is healing perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Apicoectomy
We have compiled the questions our patients ask most often at the clinic.
No. During the procedure, you will be completely anesthetized and will not feel any pain. Post-operative discomfort is mild and is managed very well with the analgesics we will prescribe.
Most patients return to their normal activities the next day. The swelling and discomfort usually disappear within a few days, and the complete healing of the bone can take a few months, although you won’t notice it.
We recommend a soft, cold diet for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid hard, crunchy, or very hot foods that could irritate the area.
If an endodontic treatment has failed, the alternatives are usually to repeat the root canal treatment (if feasible) or to extract the tooth. The great advantage of an apicoectomy is that it allows us to save your natural tooth, which is always our first choice.
An apicoectomy, when performed by a qualified endodontist with the proper technology, has a very high success rate, exceeding 90%. It is a safe and predictable procedure.
We hope this guide has been a great help to you. Remember, the best tool against fear is information. We are here to take care of you!
