What is an apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove an infection at the tip of a tooth's root (the apex) and the surrounding infected tissue. It is considered the last resort to save a tooth before extraction.
When is it performed?
It is generally indicated when:
- A previous root canal has not been successful or the infection has returned.
- There is a fracture in the tooth root.
- There are very curved root canals that cannot be cleaned with conventional root canal treatment.
The procedure
It is a simple intervention performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum, removes the infection, and seals the end of the root. Recovery is usually quick with little discomfort.
