Save Your Tooth with Precision Root-End Surgery
When a root canal does not fully resolve a tooth infection, an apicoectomy can often save the tooth. This surgical procedure removes the infected root tip and surrounding tissue, then seals the root canal from the bottom to prevent reinfection.
At Queensboro Oral Surgery in Fresh Meadows, our oral surgeons perform apicoectomies with the precision and care that this procedure requires. Rather than extracting the tooth and planning a replacement, this approach preserves your natural tooth and the bone surrounding it.
If your dentist or endodontist has recommended an apicoectomy, call 718-263-7400 to schedule a consultation with our surgical team.
- Persistent infection after root canal treatment
- Root canal retreatment is not feasible
- Small cyst or granuloma at the root tip
- Damaged or fractured root tip
- Need to preserve a tooth with a post and crown
When an Apicoectomy Is Recommended
An apicoectomy is typically recommended when a previous root canal has not resolved the infection at the tip of the tooth root. This can happen when the root canal anatomy is complex, the root has a tiny fracture, or bacteria persist in the area despite treatment.
It is also considered when retreating the root canal is not practical — for example, when the tooth has a post and crown that would be difficult to remove, or when retreatment has already been attempted without success.
What Makes This Procedure Different from a Root Canal
A root canal treats infection from the inside of the tooth by cleaning and sealing the interior canal system. An apicoectomy approaches the problem from the outside — through the gum and bone — to remove the infected root tip and seal the canal from the bottom.
This surgical approach allows your oral surgeon to directly access and remove infected tissue that may not be reachable through the crown of the tooth. The result is a clean, sealed root end that allows the surrounding bone to heal.
What to Expect During an Apicoectomy
Evaluation and Imaging
Your surgeon reviews your dental history, examines the tooth, and takes imaging to assess the infection and root anatomy.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Local anesthesia numbs the area. IV sedation is available for patients who prefer additional comfort during the procedure.
Root-End Resection
A small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the root tip. The infected tissue and the last few millimeters of the root are removed.
Root-End Filling and Closure
A biocompatible filling material seals the end of the root canal. The gum tissue is sutured closed, and healing begins.
Benefits of Apicoectomy
Preserve Your Natural Tooth
An apicoectomy allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than extracting it and planning a replacement.
Resolve Persistent Infection
By removing the source of infection at the root tip, the procedure addresses what root canal treatment alone could not.
Protect Surrounding Bone
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain the bone structure around it, avoiding the bone loss that follows extraction.
Quick Return to Normal
Most patients experience only mild discomfort and return to daily activities within a few days after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need an Apicoectomy? We Can Help.
Contact Queensboro Oral Surgery in Fresh Meadows, NY to schedule a consultation. Our surgeons evaluate your case and help you understand your options for saving your tooth.