Root-end surgery

This surgical procedure (also known as an apicoectomy, apicectomy or root-end resection) may be considered when infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after root canal treatment or retreatment.

The endodontist performs the procedure by first making you comfortable with local anaesthesia before lifting the gum over the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The end of the root is also removed and a small filling placed to seal the end of the root. Finally, a few stitches or sutures are placed to help the tissue heal. Post-surgical discomfort is generally mild and most patients can return to their normal activities the next day. Over the next few months, it is hoped that the bone will heal around the end of the root.