Apicoectomy | An overview of endodontic surgery

Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.

Are You Seeking Relief from a Painful or Sensitive Tooth?

Drs. Moretton, Vail and Mintz can perform an Apicoectomy to relieve pain and save your natural teeth!

Call us: 317.570.9000

What is an Apicoectomy?

The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with a small amount of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

Following the apicoectomy procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office. We routinely see our surgery patients for a post-surgical check two weeks after surgery, and then again in six months for a recall examination.

Endodontic Specialists

5 out of 5 stars based on 11 Endodontic Surgery/Apicoectomy reviews.

Patient Review by Mary B

Excellent experience!!

- Mary B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sam D

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- Sam D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Carol R

Doctor was very thorough, kind, and tried hard to determine which tooth needed a root canal. I was pleased that she gave me another appointment so I could focus which tooth was most painful and we could be absolutely sure of the painful tooth.

- Carol R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Traci H

The staff has been great!

- Traci H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Vanessa M

None

- Vanessa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cara S

Thanks.

- Cara S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jeff T

Incredibly nice, compassionate staff. Dr. Moretton seems highly competent and genuinely concerned. Thank you.

- Jeff T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Elizabeth W

A fantastic experience. The very best care!

- Elizabeth W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Maureen B

My consult with Dr. Vail went very smoothly and I scheduled my surgery. I felt I had all my questions answered and more comfortable and confident getting the surgery done now.

- Maureen B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Luci V

Dr. Vail is very professional, dedicated to my dental health and really funny. I was really impressed with every part of my treatment. The entire office knows how to do things right. Very impressive!

- Luci V

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Yvonne W

Love the warmth in the care

- Yvonne W

5 out of 5 stars on