Is an apicoectomy painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate for 2–3 days, manageable with prescribed pain medication.

What is the success rate of an apicoectomy?

Studies show success rates of 85–97% for apicoectomies performed by endodontic specialists. Success depends on the extent of the infection, the patient's overall health, and proper post-operative care.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days. The surgical site heals over 2–4 weeks. A follow-up X-ray at 6–12 months confirms complete healing.

What if an apicoectomy doesn't work?

If an apicoectomy fails to resolve the infection, tooth extraction followed by a dental implant is typically the next step.

Apicoectomy in Los Algodones, Mexico

Surgical removal of the infected root tip when root canal therapy or retreatment cannot fully resolve the infection — a last resort to save your natural tooth.

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Root End Surgery to Save Your Tooth

An apicoectomy (also called root end surgery or periradicular surgery) is a minor surgical procedure performed when root canal therapy or retreatment has not fully resolved the infection at the tip of the tooth root. During the procedure, the gum tissue near the tooth is opened, the infected tissue and the very tip of the root are removed, and the root end is sealed with a small filling.

An apicoectomy is typically recommended when: a root canal cannot be redone due to a post or crown, the root tip is curved or blocked, or there is a persistent infection that has not responded to non-surgical treatment. It is a last resort to save a tooth before extraction becomes necessary.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 30–90 minutes. Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days.