Root End Surgery (apicoectomy)

 

When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure, Dr. Glenn may have to perform root end surgery, also known as an apicoectomy. 

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In this procedure, Dr. Glenn opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. 

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A small filling may be placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gingiva to help the tissue heal properly. 

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Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root. 

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Images reproduced with permission from the American Association of Endodontists.