Infection back after a root canal? A small surgery may save the tooth.

When an apicoectomy may be suggested

• An infection that persists after a root canal and retreatment
• A crown, post or bridge that you want to keep and cannot safely remove
• A canal that is blocked and cannot be cleaned from above
• A cyst or dark area at the root tip that is not healing

What happens, step by step

1. Look

   We examine, take X-rays and often a 3D scan to see the root tip and nearby structures.

2. Explain

   You hear why surgery is advised, what the alternatives are and what recovery looks like.

3. Treat

   Under local anaesthetic and a microscope, we reach the root tip, remove infected tissue and seal the root end.

4. Heal

   Stitches are placed. We review you after a few days and again as the area heals.

What recovery is like

Some swelling, tenderness and mild bruising are normal for a few days. We give you written aftercare and are on WhatsApp if you have questions. Most people return to normal routines quickly, though we advise soft food and avoiding strenuous exercise for the first days.

Healing of the bone takes months, so we review the area with an X-ray later to confirm it is healing.

Questions patients ask