Many dental patients are familiar with a root canal, a common dental procedure to remove an infection from inside a tooth. Root canals can last a lifetime, but if the tooth doesn’t heal properly or becomes reinfected—even years later—an apicoectomy may be recommended.
An apicoectomy, also called a root-end resection or root-end surgery, is a minor surgical procedure to remove the “apex” or tip of a tooth’s root and any infected surrounding tissue. This procedure is usually performed by an endodontist, a type of dentist who specializes in root canal care.1
While an apicoectomy certainly doesn’t sound like fun, it’s actually a fairly simple procedure performed on adults and children alike. Generally, if an apicoectomy doesn’t work, the only other option is removing the tooth.
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If a patient has had a
This procedure might also be used to treat a broken tooth, to address issues of bone loss that may cause loose teeth, or to remove calcium deposit in the root canal.1
Costs of an apicoectomy may vary based on the location of the tooth and how many roots are infected. According to the American Dental Association 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, the average cost of an apicoectomy performed on the first root of a molar is around $1,364.50.2
Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment is a procedure that removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth. Once the tissue has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
An apicoectomy only deals with the tip of the root and is usually done when a root canal wasn’t sufficient to solve a problem. During the procedure, the gum tissue next to the tooth is exposed and any diseased tissue and a portion of the root tip are removed. The canal is then cleaned and filled to avoid reinfection.3
Most dental insurance plans do cover this procedure. Of course, benefits vary from plan to plan, so it’s always best to verify coverage before receiving treatment.
If dental insurance isn’t an option, a
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you may be able to use these tax-free accounts to pay for an apicoectomy, but there are specific rules for each. Depending on the account, you may be able to
An apicoectomy is usually done using a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. A small incision is made in the gum to allow access to the root tip, which is then removed. Any damaged tissue is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the tooth is filled and the gum tissue is stitched back into place.
Depending on which tooth is affected, the process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. While the area surrounding the tooth may be uncomfortable for a few days, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide some relief. Any stitches are usually removed within a week.3
Dental surgery like an apicoectomy probably isn’t high on anyone’s list of how they’d like to spend their day, but if it helps save a tooth, the time and temporary discomfort are well worth it.
A 2020 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that about 97% of patients showed excellent results up to 5 years later and good results in 75% of cases after 10 to 13 years.4
While rare, reinfection can occur. A dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent reinfection during the healing process.
If pain persists after an apicoectomy or if the gum surrounding the tooth is too slow to heal, the procedure may have failed.
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