APICOECTOMY

Home » Oral Surgery » Apicoectomy

Here at our implantology clinic in Valencia we have decided to shine some light on a dental treatment that is incredibly important but somewhat unknown among the general public: apicoectomy, or root end surgery. The following is a brief explanation of this form of surgery.

What is this treatment and when is it recommended?

An apicoectomy, or root end surgery, is a dental technique that can change the destiny of a tooth considered lost, often lengthening its useful life by many years. Therefore, it is an oral surgery technique that should be used frequently in dental clinics. In order to understand its particular features, a detailed analysis of its characteristics is required.

Its ultimate aim is to remove an infection in the bone caused by a necrotic tooth. It most commonly occurs in teeth that have undergone an endodontic treatment, which has since failed, and the tooth has again started to cause discomfort or fester. The appearance of a new infection does not necessarily imply that the previous endodontic treatment was performed incorrectly. Teeth that undergo technically well executed endodontic treatments can still develop problems over time. Another common use of an apicoectomy is when there is a large infection. Surgery allows us to radically remove and send it for analysis in order to rule out any more serious health issues.

apicoectomy expert in valencia

Fill in our contact form if you would like to book an appointment at our dental clinic in Valencia:


    Patient testimonial

    Scott Shelton, a patient who lives in Japan, tells us about his experience following root end surgery.

    “I came from Japan specifically for this operation.”

    What does an apicoectomy involve?

    The first step in an apicoectomy or root end surgery is surgical access to the infected root tips in order to clean the infection. Then, the end of the tooth is prepared in order to fill the nerve pathways (like a filling) from the inside. The aim is to halt the spread of bacteria inside the tooth towards the bone. After this, the incision is stitched and the result is seen soon after.

    Before undergoing this form of surgery, it is important to note that this technique is highly dependent on the operator’s skill and the means available as it is one of the most meticulous techniques in dentistry. Use of advanced visualisation resources (such as an endoscope or microscope) and bleeding control means (such as a laser, electric bistoury and coagulating substances) greatly increases the chances of success. When combined with the surgeon’s experience and training, root end surgery can save up to 90% of infected teeth in our dental clinic.

    Dental implant or apicoectomy?

    Although dental implants in Valencia are becoming more widespread and increasingly advanced techniques are developed, allowing for the majority of cases involving absent teeth to be resolved, the philosophy of an apicoectomy is completely different: it aspires to preserve the natural tooth. Given its superior functional characteristics, saving the patient’s natural tooth must always be chosen over an implant, whenever possible. An apicoectomy will not be recommended for a tooth with an infection or a root end failure when the tooth is particularly damaged and its restoration would be difficult, or when it makes other aspects of oral rehabilitation treatment more complicated.

    As we have shown, an apicoectomy is a safe treatment that can give further life to a tooth that may have required extraction. At our dental clinic in Valencia we have been successfully performing this technique for many years and we also have extensive experience in dental implants. For this reason, we believe an apicoectomy can often be performed in order to save infected teeth before resorting to implants. With the latest technology and suitable knowledge, up to 90% of these teeth can be saved.

    Dental implant or apicoectomy

    Other treatments:

    · Dental implants >

    · Oral surgery >

    · Cavities and endodontics

    · Cosmetic dentistry

    · Paediatric dentistry

    · Orthodontics

    · Periodontics

    · Dental prosthesis

    · Digital dentistry

    · Sleep apnoea