Apicoectomy In San Jose, CA: What To Expect

Apicoectomy in San Jose, CA, is a microsurgical endodontic procedure used to treat a tooth with persistent infection after a root canal. At My AZ Dental in San Jose, California, this treatment may be recommended when retreatment is unlikely to resolve the problem or when a fracture or hidden canal is present at the root tip.

Apicoectomy Explained

An apicoectomy, also called root-end surgery, targets infection at the tip of a tooth’s root. During a conventional root canal, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed from the crown end. If bacteria remain around the root tip or a tiny canal cannot be accessed from above, the inflammation can persist. An apicoectomy allows direct access to this area.

In simple terms, the procedure removes a small portion of the root tip and surrounding infected tissue. The end of the canal is then cleaned and sealed from the root end to prevent reinfection. Patients often search for “what is an apicoectomy,” “how does apicoectomy work,” and “apicoectomy vs root canal retreatment.” In many cases, this surgery is chosen when retreatment is not feasible or has already been attempted without success.

How Apicoectomy Can Help You

• Preserves Your Natural Tooth. Keeping your own tooth can help maintain bite function and protect neighboring teeth.
• Targets Persistent Infection. The procedure focuses on the exact source of inflammation at the root end.
• Improves Comfort. Resolving infection can reduce tenderness, swelling, and sensitivity.
• Supports Long-Term Stability. A sealed root end reduces the chance of future leakage and reinfection.
• Offers An Alternative To Extraction. For suitable cases, apicoectomy can delay or prevent the need for a tooth replacement.

The Apicoectomy Process

While each case is unique, the general steps are consistent and designed to be efficient and comfortable.

• Diagnosis And Planning. Digital X-rays or 3D imaging help identify infection, root anatomy, and nearby structures such as the sinus or nerves.
• Numbing The Area. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable; sedation options may be discussed when appropriate.
• Access To The Root Tip. A small incision in the gum allows gentle access to the bone over the root end.
• Removal Of Infected Tissue. The inflamed tissue and a few millimeters of the root tip are removed to expose the canal end.
• Cleaning And Sealing. The end of the canal is cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
• Closure. The area is rinsed, and sutures are placed. Many procedures take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and complexity.

Before And After Apicoectomy: What To Expect

Before surgery, you will receive instructions about medications, eating, and hygiene. Plan for a light schedule on the day of treatment and arrange a ride if sedation is used. After surgery, mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness is common for several days.

• Pain Control. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient, though specific recommendations will be provided.
• Cold Compress. Short intervals of cold packs during the first 24 hours can help limit swelling.
• Oral Hygiene. Brush and floss other areas as usual, but be gentle near the surgical site and follow any rinse instructions.
• Diet. Favor soft, cool foods at first and avoid chewing on the treated side until cleared.
• Follow-Up. Sutures are often removed in about one week, and healing is reviewed on follow-up images.

Most people return to normal activities within a day or two, with the apicoectomy recovery time for soft tissues typically spanning one to two weeks. Risks of apicoectomy include temporary soreness, swelling, sinus involvement for upper back teeth, or transient numbness if nerves are close. Serious complications are uncommon, and case selection helps support a high rate of success.

When considering apicoectomy vs root canal retreatment, the decision depends on the cause of failure. If a missed canal can be accessed from the top, retreatment may be best. If the issue is confined to the root end or a post prevents retreatment, apicoectomy can be the more direct and conservative choice. In situations where the tooth cannot be predictably saved, extraction and replacement options may be discussed.