An Apicoectomy is a procedure that removes the root tip(s) and surrounding infected tissue of an abscessed tooth that has been previously treated endodontically. This treatment may be necessary when inflammation and infection persists around the root tip(s) of the tooth.
Once the tooth is completely numb, the gum is reflected (lifted) to expose the underlying bone and root tip of the tooth. The root tip and all surrounding infected tissue are removed.
A retrograde filling may be placed at the root tip. The gum is repositioned and sutured until healing occurs. Typically the patient will return to the office and have the sutures removed in 5 to 7 days.
Complete healing of the bone around the root tip typically occurs in a few months.