Apicetomy

Precision endodontic surgery to treat persistent infection and preserve your natural tooth.

While root canal treatment has a high success rate, occasionally an infection can persist at the very tip of the tooth root, hidden within the jawbone. In these cases, an apicectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is often the only way to save the tooth.

At Coulthard Dental Practice, our clinical team performs this specialist procedure to remove the infected root tip and the surrounding inflamed tissue. By approaching the infection directly through the gum, we can successfully resolve the issue and prevent the need for an extraction.

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Specialist Root-End Surgery

An apicectomy is a microsurgical procedure that requires a high level of clinical expertise and precision. Unlike a standard root canal, which works through the top of the tooth, an apicectomy addresses the problem at the source.

Our clinicians use advanced magnification and specialised instruments to access the root tip. We carefully remove the infected apex (the tip) and any associated cyst or infected tissue. By treating the infection at this foundational level, we can often give a “failing” tooth a new lease of life, maintaining your natural smile and the integrity of your bite.

Advanced diagnostic imaging to map the infection
Microsurgical techniques for minimal tissue disruption
Use of biocompatible “retro-fill” materials to seal the root
A focus on preserving as much natural bone as possible

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Supporting your long-term oral health

At our Wilmslowdental practice, we prioritise your comfort during and after the procedure. An apicectomy is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring you feel no pain during the surgery. Because we use minimally invasive techniques, the post-operative recovery is usually straightforward.

Once the infected root tip is removed, we place a small, high-grade filling to seal the end of the root canal. This prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth and allows the bone to heal naturally around the root. This specialist intervention is a testament to our commitment to preserving your natural teeth whenever clinically possible.

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Spread the cost of care. We want to make exceptional dentistry affordable and accessible to all. Our team will help you find a suitable payment solution.

We’ve teamed up with Tabeo to offer 0% finance and help spread the cost of treatment. Click the link to visit Tabeo for more information.

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Your surgical process

Specialist assessment

We use high-definition digital X-rays or CBCT scans to locate the infection and determine if an apicectomy is the most effective solution for your tooth.

Microsurgical treatment

Under local anaesthetic, the infection is accessed through a small incision in the gum. The root tip is removed, cleaned, and sealed with clinical precision.

Healing and review

We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to monitor the healing of the bone and tissue.

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Frequently asked questions

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel any pain while the surgery is being carried out. Afterward, you may experience some minor swelling or tenderness, which can be easily managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.

An apicectomy usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure. Our team will provide you with a specific timeframe during your consultation at our Stockport dental practice.

If a tooth has already had a root canal and the infection persists, it is often because the bacteria are located in tiny branch-like canals at the very tip of the root. An apicectomy is often more effective than a “re-treatment” because it removes the infected tip entirely.

When performed by an experienced clinical team using modern microsurgical techniques, apicectomies have a high success rate. It is considered an excellent last-line defence to save a natural tooth from extraction.

Most patients find that the gum tissue heals within 7 to 10 days. We recommend avoiding hard foods and strenuous exercise for a day or two following the surgery to allow the initial healing phase to progress undisturbed.

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Begin Your Journey to a Healthier Smile in Wilmslow

Whether you are looking for a trusted family dentist in Wilmslow or specialist dental treatment in Cheshire, our experienced team is here to help. Join Coulthard General & Specialist Practice today and experience personalised dental care tailored to you and your family.