Apicoectomy
Surgical precision when a root canal alone isn’t enough.
Root canals work most of the time. Occasionally, an infection or issue can linger—even after treatment. When that happens, endodontic surgery can give your tooth one last chance at healing without needing an extraction.
The most common surgical procedure we perform is called an apicoectomy—also known as a root-end surgery
What to Expect After Surgery
Mild swelling or soreness is normal for a few days following the procedure. Most patients manage discomfort easily with over-the-counter or prescribed medication. We'll walk you through everything you need to know to recover comfortably.
If you experience pain that doesn’t respond to medication or swelling that worsens, give us a call—we’re here for you 24/7.
Still Have Questions?
An apicoectomy sounds intense, but it’s actually a routine, highly predictable procedure when performed by a specialist. Dr. Darin Lee uses advanced imaging, microsurgical tools, and years of experience to make the process safe, comfortable, and effective.
If you've had a root canal and you're still dealing with discomfort, don’t wait. We’ll help you figure out exactly what’s going on—and what your best option is to save the tooth.
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Why Would I Need Endodontic Surgery?
Sometimes, the pain or infection persists after a root canal. That doesn’t mean it failed—it just might be that there’s more going on under the surface. Endodontic surgery helps us:
Find hidden canals or fractures not visible on X-rays
Remove infected tissue that didn’t heal with nonsurgical treatment
Treat damage to the tip of the root or surrounding bone
Save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted
When a retreatment isn’t an option—or it’s already been done—apicoectomy is often the next step.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
Here’s how the procedure works:
We gently make a small incision in the gum near the tooth to access the bone.
The inflamed or infected tissue around the root is removed.
The very tip of the root is removed and sealed with a small biocompatible filling.
We close the area with a few sutures and let the natural healing begin.
Over the next few months, your bone will regenerate and heal around the root—restoring full function.
