Apicectomy - helping you to save your tooth

If you have a failing tooth as a result of decay, damage or trauma an apicectomy may be the last chance of restoring the tooth.  This surgical procedure involves removing the end of the tooth root and sealing it with a filling to resolve and prevent infection.  As a last resort this procedure will only be performed once all other methods of saving the tooth have been exhausted.  You will likely have a root treatment attempted at least twice before an apicectomy is attempted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an apicectomy?

An apicectomy is a minor surgical procedure where we remove a small portion of the root tip of the tooth and place a filling material to seal the tooth. The area of infection in the surround bone is surgically removed to try and save the tooth.

Why do i need an apicectomy?

If you have had a root canal treatment and the infection around the tooth has not resolved, your dentist may recommend an apicectomy in a last attempt to save the tooth.

Will it hurt?

An apicectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.  For patients that are particularly anxious treatment can be carried out under IV sedation to help you feel more at ease.

How long will i take to recover?

Most people can return to their normal activities pretty much straightaway.  You can expect to have some minor discomfort around the surgical site for around 1-2 days but this should be manageable with over the counter analgesics.

Meet Your Surgeon

Mr Sami Stagnell
BDS MFDS(RCSEd) MSc MFGDP(UK) AKC MOralSurg(RCSEng)

Learn More