Endodontic Microsurgery
Apicoectomy in Tucson
When infection persists at the very tip of a root, a precise microsurgical procedure can resolve it and let you keep your tooth.
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that treats infection at the tip of the root, from the outside. When a root canal or retreatment cannot resolve a problem hiding at the root tip, this microsurgery removes the infected tissue and the last few millimeters of the root, then seals the root end. It is often the final step that lets you keep a tooth for good.
When It Is Needed
Why an Apicoectomy Instead of Another Root Canal
Root canal treatment and retreatment work from inside the tooth. Sometimes that route is blocked or insufficient, and the problem needs to be addressed directly at the root tip instead.
Step by Step
How the Procedure Works
Planning with 3D imaging
Cone beam imaging maps the root tip, the infection, and nearby structures before we begin, so the surgery is precise and conservative.
Access under anesthesia
With the area fully numb, a small opening is made in the gum near the root tip. The entire procedure is performed under the surgical microscope.
Remove infection, seal the root end
The infected tissue is removed along with the last few millimeters of the root tip. The end of the canal is then cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible filling material.
Close and heal
A few small sutures close the gum, and the bone naturally heals around the root over the following months. We will see you for a brief follow-up and monitor healing on imaging.
Afterward
Recovery After an Apicoectomy
Recovery is usually easier than people expect. Mild swelling and soreness for a few days is normal, and cold compresses plus over-the-counter pain relievers manage it well for most patients. Some minor bruising can appear near the site. Most people are back to work or school within a day or two.
We will give you simple written instructions: keep the area clean, be gentle brushing near the sutures, and avoid strenuous exercise for the first couple of days. Sutures are typically removed or dissolve within about a week.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an apicoectomy painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and you should not feel pain during it. Afterward, mild swelling and soreness for a few days is normal, and some patients notice minor bruising. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.
Why do I need surgery if I already had a root canal?
Occasionally infection persists at the very tip of the root in areas that cannot be reached from inside the tooth, or retreatment is blocked by a post or crown that cannot be removed safely. An apicoectomy treats the problem directly at the root tip while leaving your existing crown in place.
How long does an apicoectomy take?
Most procedures take about 45 to 90 minutes depending on the tooth and its location. You go home the same day.
How successful is an apicoectomy?
With modern microsurgical techniques, magnification, and biocompatible root end filling materials, outcomes are very good for well-selected cases. We will be straightforward with you about the likelihood of success for your specific tooth before you decide.
Reviewed by Dr. Ron Malakpour, DDS, MS
Endodontist, Root Canal Specialists, Tucson, AZ. Page last updated July 2026.