Smile Haus provides apical surgery in West Hills, CA. Call 818-348-6068 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Apical surgery is an endodontic procedure used to treat a specific type of dental infection. Also known as an apicoectomy or root end surgery, apical surgery removes the infected root tip (apex) of a tooth and its surrounding tissue. The procedure is often needed if an initial root canal treatment or retreatment has failed. Apical surgery allows us to save your natural tooth rather than extracting it and replacing it with a dental crown or implant. This is always the best outcome, as extracting a tooth can lead to complications if it is not replaced in a timely manner.


What Happens During Apical Surgery


Before we begin any work, we use local anesthetic injections to numb your tooth and the surrounding tissue. During your procedure, a small incision is made in order to access the root tip. We clean the infected area, resect the root tip, and seal it with a filling to prevent future infection. Sutures are used to close the incision and we apply an ice pack to minimize any swelling.

You’ll be sent home with a prescription medication to help alleviate any discomfort, but most patients only experience minor swelling, bruising, and occasional numbness surrounding the affected area. You should plan on taking the day off of work or school for the procedure, but the following day you should be able to resume your normal activities.


Frequently Asked Questions About Apical Surgery


How painful is apical surgery?


You will not experience any pain during apical surgery, as you will be given local anesthetic injections to numb the tooth and the tissue surrounding it before we start the procedure. It’s normal to feel some pressure and movement while we work, but not pain.


Are you put to sleep for an apicoectomy?


No, you will be awake during your apicoectomy, but if you’re nervous about the procedure, let us know beforehand and we can discuss safe, mild sedation options to help you feel at ease during your surgery.


How long does apical surgery take?


Apical surgery can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the root structure.


Can an apicoectomy last a lifetime?


Yes, most apicoectomies offer a permanent solution for infected root tips. You should not need another apicoectomy or root canal in the affected tooth.


Can I go to work after apical surgery?


We advise you to take the rest of the day off of work to rest after your apical surgery. Most patients are able to return to work the next day.


Are antibiotics an effective treatment for infected root tips?


No, oral antibiotics do not treat infections in the teeth or root tips. Only endodontic treatment or extraction can resolve these infections. Because extractions can lead to bone loss in the jaw and cause other complications, apical surgery is the preferred method of treatment.

Call 818-348-6068 to schedule your appointment.