Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)

In a very small percentage of cases where a tooth is not healing after endodontic treatment, endodontic surgery (apicoectomy) may be necessary. This type of surgery helps to locate fractures or small hidden canals at the root tip that can be the source of continued pain and infection in the tooth.

The area of surgery will be profoundly anesthetized by administering local anesthesia. During the surgery, Dr. Malyala will make a small incision in the gum and reflect the gum tissue to expose the root tip of the problem tooth. The inflamed and diseased tissue around the root tip is removed along with the very tip of the root which is most likely the cause of the persistent problem. A small filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal and a few stitches or sutures to help gums heal. You may feel some discomfort and mild swelling for a couple of days after surgery which is expected after any surgical procedure.