Apicoectomy

What is an Apicoectomy?

Typically, root canal therapy is sufficient when it comes to removing infected pulp from the inside of a person’s tooth. However, occasionally, this common treatment is not enough to fully heal the tooth, and we must perform a minor surgical procedure, known as an “apicoectomy” or “root-end resection”, to reach difficult areas such as hidden canals or fractures and thus remove all of the infection for complete healing. Often the need for apicoectomy comes to our attention because the patient has pain in the tooth that cannot be identified via x-ray – this is usually an indication that the top of the root, the “Apex”, is housing the infection and needs to be removed.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Olympia Office Phone Number 360-459-3636 Email Us

What is an Apicoectomy?

During an apicoectomy, we access the top of the root through an incision in the gums to expose the bone and inflamed tissue. We remove the end of the root and any infected material, and then place a root-end filling to protect it. The gum is sutured and the bone heals naturally on its own over a period of months.

Does an apicoectomy hurt?

There is no pain during the procedure as the area is numbed. After the procedure, there is sometimes discomfort or slight swelling at the incision site. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate your discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office at Olympia Office Phone Number 360-459-3636 for instructions.

Just like root canal therapy, apicoectomies save teeth, which is always our first priority as dental professionals. They are less expensive, quicker and less painful than the process of extraction and tooth replacement.

If you’ve been told that you need endodontic surgery (apicoectomy), we can make the process very comfortable for you and alleviate any fears you may have. Please call us at Olympia Office Phone Number 360-459-3636 today!

Northwest Endodontic Specialists

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Apicoectomy reviews.

Patient Review By Loretha w

Happy to have had this procedure done, took me a year, very good service

– Loretha w

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Christie H

Both Dr’s Goerig were so patient and kind to me. I suffer from severe dental anxiety and they both went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and as least-anxious as they could get me. The dental assistants and office staff are all very kind and reassuring, too. I know I must’ve been annoying at times, but they never showed their frustration with me. I would definitely recommend Northwest Endodontic Specialists to anyone.

– Christie H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Lillie S

Oh my goodness!!! If anyone has a fear or anxiety about a dentist Dr. Albert Goerig is the best. After a deep infection following a root canal that got into my bone, Dr Albert Goerig was amazing calming and comforting during the surgery that was not at all anticipated. I was in so much pain, and in tears and the entire office was amazing! It starts with the front office staff, and then followed into Hannah assisting while James held my hand. They were able to get me in right away, and did the procedure same day and didnt make me go home and wait in more pain. I cant recommend this office or Dr Goerig, Hannah James and the gals in the front office enough!!!! I would give them infinity stars and will always forever love this office!!!

– Lillie S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By sharon M

The facility has improved to an excellent clinic since my last visit in 2015. The new office is beautiful and feels very warm and inviting. Dr. Albert Goerig has the utmost of skills in endodontics. I was especially impressed with the interpersonal behavior between staff and patient. I would gladly come back here and highly recommend the clinic to my family and friends.

– sharon M

5 out of 5 stars on

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Olympia Office Phone Number 360-459-3636 Email Us