APICECTOMY

An apicectomy is the term used for removing the tip of the tooth (or portion of the tooth root). This may be required as some infection often remains after root canal therapy, causing pain, swelling or discharge. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed, along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

An apicectomy usually takes about 30 minutes. Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended.