Apicoectomy in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we specialize in advanced endodontic surgery, including apicoectomies, to remove infection and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

This minor surgical procedure targets persistent infection at the root tip, preventing the need for a tooth extraction and ensuring long-term oral health.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a microsurgical procedure that removes:

• The infected tip of a tooth root (apex).
• Any inflamed tissue or residual infection around the root.

Once the damaged area is removed, the root is sealed to prevent reinfection, allowing your tooth to heal properly.

This procedure is often recommended after a failed root canal treatment, when infection persists despite previous efforts to clean the tooth’s root canals.

When Is an Apicoectomy Needed?

An apicoectomy is typically performed when:

• A root canal has failed and reinfection occurs.
• The infection has spread to the bone around the root tip.
• The tooth has a complex root structure, preventing complete cleaning with standard root canal therapy.
• There is a fracture or damage at the root tip.
• A dental cyst or abscess has developed near the root.

If a root canal has not fully eliminated the infection, an apicoectomy can be the last option before tooth extraction.

How an Apicoectomy Works

An apicoectomy is a straightforward outpatient procedure that typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the tooth’s location and complexity.

Step 1: Local Anesthesia & Sedation Options

• The area is numbed with local anesthesia for a pain-free experience.
• IV sedation, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide is available for added comfort.

Step 2: Small Gum Incision

• A tiny incision is made in the gum to access the infected root tip.
• The bone and surrounding tissue are carefully examined.

Step 3: Removal of Infected Root Tip & Tissue

• The damaged portion of the root and surrounding infected tissue are removed.
• The area is thoroughly cleaned to prevent further infection.

Step 4: Sealing the Root End

• A biocompatible filling material is placed at the root tip to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
• The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured for healing.

Most patients recover quickly with minimal discomfort, and the tooth is saved from extraction.

Apicoectomy vs. Root Canal Retreatment

If a previous root canal fails, you may have two options:

• Root Canal Retreatment: A second attempt at cleaning and sealing the root canals.
• Apicoectomy: Directly removing the infected root tip and surrounding tissue.

Root canal retreatment is preferred when the entire canal system can be accessed, but an apicoectomy is recommended if the infection is concentrated at the root tip or if retreatment has already failed.

Recovery & Aftercare for an Apicoectomy

Most patients experience minimal discomfort after an apicoectomy and return to normal activities within a few days. To ensure a smooth recovery:

• Take prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics as directed.
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side until healing progresses.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hard or spicy foods for a few days.
• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and saltwater rinses.

Sutures are usually removed within a week, and full healing occurs over a few months as the bone regenerates around the root.

Benefits of an Apicoectomy

• Saves your natural tooth by eliminating infection at the root tip.
• Prevents reinfection by sealing the root permanently.
• Less invasive than extraction and tooth replacement.
• Preserves jawbone health by avoiding bone loss from tooth removal.

If an apicoectomy is successful, your tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.