What Is an Apico

An apicoectomy is a straightforward, minor surgical procedure that’s done on children and adults as a way to save at-risk teeth and prevent potentially serious complications. An apicoectomy is also known as root end surgery. This is because it involves the removal of a tooth’s root tip and surrounding tissue.

How painful is a apicoectomy?

Most patients experience little-or-no discomfort during an apicoectomy. In fact, this procedure is often less invasive than the preceding root canal procedure, and involves a shorter and less painful recovery.

What is the difference between a root canal and an apicoectomy?

While root canal treatment takes place on the crown of the tooth (the part above the gum that we chew with) an apicoectomy takes place on the root of the tooth. The infected tissue is accessed via the root tip, also called the apex, of the tooth, and a filling is then placed to seal the end of the root.