What is Apicoectomy Surgery & Why It’s Needed
At Liv Endodontics, we believe preserving your natural tooth is always the priority. When standard root canal therapy cannot fully eliminate infection, often due to complex anatomy, persistent inflammation, or blockage deep in the root tip, apicoectomy surgery becomes a necessary option. An apicoectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the very tip of a tooth’s root (the apex) along with infected tissue, then seals the root end to prevent new bacteria from entering.
What to Expect During & After Apicoectomy Surgery
When you come to Liv Endodontics for apicoectomy surgery, here’s how we guide you through every step:
Pre-Operative Assessment
First, we thoroughly evaluate your tooth using digital imaging and 3D scans. We assess what has prevented your prior root canal treatment from succeeding (for example, curved or extra roots, furcation involvement, or blockage by calcifications). Then, we discuss with you whether apicoectomy surgery is the best option versus retreatment or other approaches.
The Surgery Process
- Local anesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable.
- A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected root tip, exposing the bone.
- We remove a tiny amount of bone to access the root tip.
- The diseased apex and any infected tissue are removed.
- The end of the root is sealed with a biocompatible filling material.
- Then the gum tissue is sutured back in place.
Because at Liv Endodontics, we utilize microscopic magnification and often microsurgical tools, the incision is very precise, healing is more predictable, and recovery tends to be quicker and more comfortable.
Recovery & Aftercare
After the surgery, you’ll need to follow good post-operative care: moderate pain or swelling is normal for a couple of days, and you may be prescribed medication to manage discomfort. A soft diet is recommended, with careful brushing and salt water rinses to keep the surgical site clean.
We schedule follow-ups to monitor healing, remove sutures if needed, and take post-op images to ensure the root end is sealed and bone is regenerating.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two and may feel full recovery within one to two weeks, though complete bone healing may take several months. Our specialists at Liv Endodontics provide full support during recovery, so you have confidence every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apicoectomy the same as a root canal?
No. A root canal treats infection from inside the tooth, while an apicoectomy treats infection at the tip of the root—usually when a previous root canal has failed. It’s a microsurgical solution used to preserve your natural tooth.
How do I know if I need an apicoectomy?
If you’ve had a root canal but still experience pain, swelling, or signs of infection, your dentist or endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy. At Liv Endodontics in Livingston and Summit, we use CBCT imaging to confirm if it’s the right treatment.
Is the procedure painful?
Not at all. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and we offer sedation options for added comfort. Most patients report only mild soreness after surgery.
How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy?
Most people resume normal activity within 1–2 days. Full healing may take a few weeks. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery closely.
What is the success rate of an apicoectomy?
Modern apicoectomies have a success rate of over 90% when performed with advanced imaging and microsurgical tools—both standard at Liv Endodontics.
Will I still need a crown after an apicoectomy?
Can an apicoectomy fail?
Like any procedure, there’s a small chance of failure—usually due to complex anatomy or untreated infection. However, our high-tech tools and surgical expertise greatly reduce that risk.
Are apicoectomies covered by dental insurance?
Many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost, especially if the tooth was previously treated with a root canal. We’ll help you confirm your coverage and explain your options.
What if I don’t treat the infection at the root tip?
Delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread to surrounding bone and tissue, possibly leading to tooth loss or more invasive surgery. Early action helps preserve your tooth and avoid complications.
Why Choose Liv Endodontics for Apicoectomy Surgery & Related Needs
At Liv Endodontics, our mission is to combine advanced expertise with compassionate care, especially when dealing with cases where apicoectomy surgery is required. Here’s how we stand apart:
- Specialist Training & Experience: Our team is trained at prestigious institutions and is experienced with complex endodontic microsurgery. We have seen many cases where standard root canal therapy alone was not enough.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We leverage CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis, dental operating microscopes to operate with precision, and microsurgical instruments designed for minimal invasiveness. This reduces healing times and improves outcomes.
Comprehensive Services: In addition to offering apicoectomy surgery, Liv Endodontics provides root canal therapy, treatment for a cracked tooth, and emergency dentistry services. Whether you’re dealing with persistent pain after a root canal, suspect a crack in your tooth due to trauma or biting pressure, or are facing a dental emergency, our clinics in Livingston and Summit, NJ, are equipped to respond promptly and professionally.
Expert care, close to home
Request your appointment today and experience modern, painless endodontic care.
What our patients are saying
“ Outstanding experience. You can really trust the experts here. The space is clean, the team leads with professionalism and empathy. I felt very well taken care of.”
Patient
Summit
“Though a new patient, I was treated like an old friend. Courtesy, comfort and care for the patient appear to be top priorities here. Every person I saw was extremely nice and likable.”
Patient
Livingston
Root canal therapy
Cracked tooth treatment
Root canal retreatment
Emergency dentistry
Apicoectomy & microsurgery
Lightening discolored teeth