An apicectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the end of a root and surrounding tissue to remove infection.
A root canal treatment is the first step of the process. This will remove any infected tissue from inside the tooth. The success rate for this procedure is around 80%. However, occasionally, root canal treatment alone is not sufficient as a stand-alone treatment. In such a situation either the root canal treatment can be redone, or the tooth is extracted, or Apicectomy microsurgery carried out.
Apicectomy is not an alternative to root canal treatment, and is usually indicated on occasions where redoing the root canal is not possible or not sufficient by itself. In these situations, the dentist and the patient may decide that apicectomy will be a better last resort alternative to removing the tooth altogether.
The Apicectomy procedure will take around 90 minutes to complete depending on complexity.
Ibuprofen is the best painkiller after such surgery as it reduces inflammation.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash is also recommended to reduce localised gum inflammation.
Applying ice packs to the face near the surgical region will reduce postoperative inflammation and pain.
Like many surgical procedures, there can be some pain, bruising, swelling, tenderness, gum scarring, and bleeding after surgery. The tooth can feel slightly looser.
The gum around the tooth and the neighbouring teeth can occasionally recede a little. Also the neighbouring teeth can become a little sensitive as a result of this gum recession.
Success rate tends to be around 70%. The results will be dependent on the complexity of the initial problem.
Our Specialist Endodontist will usually carry out such procedures. Specialists have the skills and experience to perform complex surgical procedures such as Apicectomy microsurgery. At Pearl Dental Clinic, we use dental microscope magnification to ensure that we do not miss any small root anatomy which can cause future infection.
The Endodontist may need to take a 3D x-ray CBCT Scan of your tooth at your Apicectomy consultation visit, so that we can see your tooth’s exact root canal anatomy and surrounding bone, 3 dimensionally before we start your treatment.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm. You can book an Apicectomy consultation by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or by emailing us or book an appointment online (available 24 hours/day).
