Apico Surgery: What It Is and When You Need It

Sometimes, even after a root canal treatment, a tooth can still have infection at the tip of the root. When this happens, apico surgery (also called apicoectomy) can be the solution to save the tooth and stop the infection for good.

In this blog, I’ll explain the procedure in simple words so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is Apico Surgery?

Inside every tooth, there are small canals that contain the nerve and blood supply. A root canal treatment cleans these canals and seals them. However, sometimes infection stays at the very tip of the root, or the root canal is too complex to clean from the inside.

Apico surgery is a minor surgical procedure that removes the infected tip of the root so the tooth can heal properly.

When Do We Need Apico Surgery?

Your dentist may recommend an apicoectomy when:

1. A previous root canal treatment has failed.
2. There is a persistent infection at the root tip.
3. The root canal is blocked or too curved to clean from inside.
4. There’s a cyst or small infection that won’t heal with regular treatment.
5. Retreatment is not possible due to a crown, post, or complicated anatomy. In short: It’s usually the last option to save a tooth before extraction.

How the Procedure Works (Step by Step:-

1. Numbing the area

We use local anesthesia, so you feel comfortable and pain-free.

2. A small opening in the gum

The dentist gently lifts the gum near the tooth to reach the root.

3. Removing the infection

The infected tissue and the very tip of the root (about 2–3 mm) are removed.

4. Cleaning and sealing the root

A small filling is placed at the end of the root to seal it and prevent bacteria from entering again.

5. Stitches

The gum is placed back and sutured. These stitches are usually removed after about a week.

The whole procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the case.

Is Apico Surgery Painful?

During the surgery, you won’t feel pain because the area is numb. After the procedure, mild swelling or tenderness is normal for 2–3 days, and it improves with prescribed medication. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.

How Long Does Healing Take?

• Initial healing: 1–2 weeks
• Complete bone healing: 3–6 months
• We monitor the healing with follow-up X-rays.

Benefits of Apico Surgery

• Saves your natural tooth
• Removes long-standing infection
• Prevents the need for extraction or implant
• High success rate when done properly

When Doesn’t Apico Work?

Like any treatment, apico surgery has limits. If the root is cracked or the tooth has severe bone loss, extraction might be the better option. Your dentist will always guide you to the safest and most predictable choice.

Finally:

Apico surgery is a safe and effective way to save a tooth that hasn’t healed after a root canal. It’s a small procedure with big benefits: relieving infection, preserving your natural tooth, and restoring your comfort.

If you’ve been told you might need an apicoectomy and want a professional opinion, feel free to reach out. Your smile and comfort always come first.