Root End Surgery (Apicoectomy)
Root End Surgery to Save Difficult Teeth
When standard root canal therapy fails to eliminate infection, root end surgery (apicoectomy) may save your tooth. During this procedure, we access the root tip through your gum, remove the infected root end, and seal the root canal. At St. Lawrence Dentistry in Mississauga, we perform root end surgery to preserve teeth that might otherwise be lost to extraction.
Why Root End Surgery is Necessary
Sometimes a root canal doesn’t completely eliminate infection. Instead of extracting the tooth, root end surgery provides a second chance to save it.
Ready to get started?
SAVE YOUR TOOTH WITH ROOT END SURGERY
Call St. Lawrence Dentistry at 647-558-9928 to discuss root end surgery in Mississauga.
Precise Surgical Technique
We create a small opening in your gum to access the root tip. After removing the infected portion, we seal the root end to prevent reinfection.
Preserves Your Natural Tooth
Root end surgery saves teeth that failed initial root canal therapy. Keeping your natural tooth is always better than extraction.
Modern Microsurgical Approach
Using advanced techniques and operating microscopes, we perform root end surgery with minimal tissue trauma and excellent healing.
High Success Rate
Root end surgery successfully saves the majority of teeth that failed initial root canal therapy.
FAQS
Frequently asked questions
Why did my first root canal fail?
Causes include missed canals, incomplete cleaning, ledging, or reinfection. We assess why the first treatment failed to improve success.
Is root end surgery painful?
We numb the area completely. You’ll feel pressure and hear noise but experience no pain.
How long does root end surgery take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on complexity.
Will I need to take time off work?
Most patients return to normal activities the next day. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.
How long is recovery?
Initial healing takes 7 to 10 days. Complete healing takes several months.
Is a crown necessary after root end surgery?
Yes. The tooth should be crowned to protect it and ensure long-term success.
What's the success rate of root end surgery?
Root end surgery successfully saves approximately 85 to 90 percent of teeth that failed initial root canal therapy.
What happens if root end surgery doesn't work?
If root end surgery fails, extraction is usually the only remaining option.