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Apicectomy

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Working Time

  • Monday - Thursday 8:45 am to 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:45 am to 5 pm
  • Weekends By Appointment Only
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GENERAL DENTISTRY

Apicectomy

An apicectomy is an endodontic treatment that we perform to treat inflamed gum tissue at the end of the root of a tooth.

Sometimes also referred to as a root-end resection, an apicectomy removes the end or tip of the root of the tooth, while leaving the top of the tooth in-tact. Often performed after a root canal treatment, which treats and removes infection in the interior of the tooth, apicectomies only deal with the tip of the tooth root. At Mere Dentistry, our highly qualified and skilled team are able to carry out this specialist treatment in-practice.

Why do I need an apicectomy?

Apicectomies are performed when there is infection at the very end/tip of the tooth root. This infection can sometimes occur if a root canal treatment fails to heal correctly and instead becomes re-infected. In such cases, apicectomies are carried out so that we can save the natural tooth and avoid a tooth extraction.

Apicectomies are also sometimes necessary to save a tooth that has been injured due to an accident, leading to the tooth becoming cracked or fractured. In such cases, an apicectomy can save the natural tooth and avoid the need for an extraction and subsequent replacement.

What happens during an apicectomy?

  • We’ll take X-rays of the teeth and jaw, so we can be sure of what is happening in the root canal and surrounding bone and tissue.
  • We’ll numb the area with a cream before applying local anaesthetic.
  • A small cut will be made to examine the bone, remove infected tissue, and extract the end of the root.
  • We will refill the tip of the root canal and seal it back up to stop further infection.
  • We’ll apply stitches to help with the healing process.
  • Will the treatment be painful?

    We’ll always first apply a numbing agent and a local anaesthetic, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure.

    How long does this treatment take?

    Most apicectomies can be carried out in just one appointment.

    Will it be painful afterwards?

    After the anaesthetic wears off you may experience some pain at the site of treatment. An anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen should be able to help with this.

    • Interested in learning more? Our team are on hand to help answer any questions you may have about apicectomies or to simply help you book an appointment.