What is an apicoectomy?

Root-canal treatment cleans and seals the canal system from inside the tooth. If disease persists around the root tip and non-surgical retreatment is not suitable or has not resolved the problem, a clinician may consider a surgical approach.

During an apicoectomy, the gum is opened near the affected tooth, inflamed or infected tissue is removed, and a small part of the root tip is resected. The root end may then be sealed before the gum is repositioned and sutured. The exact technique depends on the tooth, anatomy and imaging findings.

When might it be considered?

Possible reasons include persistent symptoms or a lesion after previous root-canal treatment, anatomy that cannot be reached predictably from inside the tooth, or a problem around the root tip that requires direct assessment. A scan or X-ray alone does not determine treatment: symptoms, restorability, gum support and alternatives all matter.

The clinician first considers whether the tooth can be predictably restored and maintained. Retreatment, monitoring or extraction may be more appropriate in some situations.

What happens before and during treatment?

Your medical history, medicines and the condition of the tooth are reviewed. The surgical area is treated with local anaesthetic. After the affected root tip and surrounding tissue are managed, sutures are placed and you receive instructions tailored to the procedure.

Treatment time varies with access, tooth position and complexity. We do not promise a universal duration or outcome before the clinical assessment.

Recovery and aftercare

Mild swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur after oral surgery. Follow the written instructions you receive, take medication only as advised, keep the area clean without disturbing the wound, and avoid smoking because it can impair healing.

Contact the clinic if bleeding does not settle, swelling worsens rather than improves, you develop fever, or pain is severe or not controlled by the advised medication. Review appointments and imaging may be needed to assess healing over time.

Alternatives and cost

Alternatives can include non-surgical root-canal retreatment, monitoring in selected cases, or extraction followed by discussion of replacement options such as an implant, bridge or removable prosthesis. Each option has different benefits, limitations and timelines.

Please use the current English price list for the listed procedure fee. The final plan and total are confirmed only after examination and diagnostics.