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Endodontic surgery
Endodontic surgery to help save a difficult tooth
When a tooth keeps causing problems after root canal treatment, surgery such as an apicoectomy may reach what cannot be treated through the tooth itself.
How it works
What endodontic surgery involves
The aim is to treat the source of disease around the root while preserving the natural tooth where clinically appropriate.
What is an apicoectomy?
A common type of endodontic surgery, also called root-end surgery or root-end resection.
During surgery
- The root is reached through the gum
- Infected tissue and a small root tip portion are removed
- A root-end filling seals the canal
Microsurgical precision
The root tip and surrounding tissues are very small, so magnification and precise access matter.
May include
- Dental operating microscopes
- Fluorescence and digital imaging
- Microsurgical instruments
Can it save my tooth?
In some cases, yes. Not every tooth is suitable, so we assess the tooth as a whole first.
We consider
- Root condition and fractures
- Gum support and restorability
- Where the infection is
Surgery or retreatment?
Retreatment re-enters through the crown. Surgery approaches through the gum and root tip.
Surgery may suit when
- The crown cannot reach the problem
- Retreatment is unlikely to resolve it
- The root tip needs direct treatment
Recovery
What should I expect after surgery?
Some tenderness, swelling or discomfort can occur. How much, and for how long, varies with the patient and the procedure. Recovery may involve:
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Temporary tenderness around the surgical area
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Mild swelling
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Sutures, removed or reviewed at follow-up
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Instructions specific to your treatment
Many patients return to routine daily activities relatively quickly, but recovery is different for everyone. Call us if anything concerns you.
Talk to us about your concerns →Healing
What happens after the tooth heals?
Healing around the root takes time. Follow-up may include:
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Clinical review and dental imaging
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Monitoring the bone around the root
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Checking the surgical site and your symptoms
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Updating your dentist, who handles any further restorative care
Endodontic surgery questions
Questions patients often ask
Short answers to what patients ask most about endodontic surgery. Call us if your question is not here.
Is an apicoectomy the same as root canal treatment?
No. Root canal treatment accesses the tooth through the crown. An apicoectomy approaches the root tip through the gum and surrounding tissues.
Does endodontic surgery hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used during treatment. Some tenderness or swelling may occur afterwards. Individual experiences vary, and we give advice based on the procedure performed.
How long does recovery take?
It varies with the patient and the procedure. Many patients return to normal activities relatively quickly, although some tenderness or swelling may continue early in healing.
Can endodontic surgery always save the tooth?
No. Surgery is only recommended where the tooth remains suitable for preservation and the expected benefit justifies treatment.
Persistent problems after a root canal? Get a specialist opinion
Pain, swelling or infection after previous root canal treatment does not automatically mean the tooth must come out. An assessment shows whether retreatment, surgery or another pathway should be considered.
