A different route of access
Surgery reaches the root end through the surrounding tissues. It may be considered when a nonsurgical approach is not suitable or has not resolved the problem around the root.
Root Canals / Treatment guide
Root-End Surgery (Apicoectomy)
Root-end surgery, also called apicoectomy, treats a problem near the tip of a tooth root. The clinician approaches through the gum, removes affected tissue and the root tip, and may place a small seal at the root end.
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This approach reaches the end of a root from the surrounding tissues. The affected tip and nearby diseased tissue are addressed, and a small root-end filling may seal the canal while the tooth remains in place.
Understanding your care
When the problem is at the root tip.
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
A tooth-preserving aim
The procedure aims to maintain a tooth that remains restorable and supported. Its wider condition still matters; treating the tip cannot correct every crack or structural problem.
Focused surgical planning
Root shape and nearby anatomical structures influence the approach. The clinician weighs surgical access, the existing restoration and the cause of persistent disease before recommending this option.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Assess the root-end problem
Examination and imaging evaluate the source of the problem and the condition of the tooth. Retreatment, surgery and extraction are compared when relevant.
Access the root tip
The clinician opens the gum near the affected area to reach the root end. The approach depends on the tooth’s position and surrounding anatomy.
Treat and seal
Affected tissue and the root tip are removed. A small root-end filling may seal the canal before the soft tissues are repositioned and closed.
Monitor healing
Follow-up appointments assess soft-tissue and bone healing. The tooth, restoration and surrounding support continue to be monitored because the procedure does not guarantee long-term retention.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
Root-end surgery involves risks such as discomfort, swelling, infection, gum changes or injury to nearby structures. It may not resolve the problem if a crack or other unfavorable condition is present. Nonsurgical retreatment or extraction may be more appropriate in some cases. Specialist evaluation helps compare these choices, including whether the remaining tooth structure and support justify preservation.
Is the whole root removed?
Usually only a small portion at the end of the affected root is removed in an apicoectomy. The aim is to retain the rest of the tooth when its condition supports that approach.
Is this the same as repeating a root canal?
No. Nonsurgical retreatment re-enters the canals through the tooth. Root-end surgery works from the surrounding tissues near the tip, using a different access route to address the problem.
Can surgery guarantee I keep the tooth?
No treatment can guarantee that outcome. The cause of the problem, cracks, tooth structure, surrounding support and healing response all influence whether the tooth can be maintained after surgery.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
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About this illustration & educational sources
These original, simplified illustrations explain treatment concepts. They are not patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.