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Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy) at APX Endodontics

When saving your tooth requires surgical precision, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in advanced endodontic microsurgical procedures, such as apicoectomies, designed to deliver targeted care to support the long-term health of your natural tooth and smile. Want to discuss your case?

Call
617-789-0777
or contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
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What Is Endodontic Microsurgery?

Endodontic Microsurgery involves specialized techniques designed to address issues that cannot be resolved with conventional non-surgical root canal treatments. During the procedure, we use a high-powered microscope and specialized micro-surgical instruments to access the root of the tooth through a small incision in the gums. We carefully remove any infected tissues and seal the area to promote healing and prevent future infection. This targeted approach allows us to save teeth that might otherwise need extraction.

Benefits of Endodontic Microsurgery

Endodontic microsurgery allows us to treat the problem area directly through the gums, leaving your existing restorations like crowns or fillings intact. This gives your tooth a second chance when non-surgical retreatment isn't feasible or has a less predictable prognosis due to complex anatomy, canal obstructions, or other factors. Additional benefits include:

  • Detect and treat hidden problems - Our high-powered microscope lets us examine the root surface directly and spot tiny fractures, calcified canals, resorption, and other issues that might not show up on X-rays. This allows us to treat them effectively.
  • Eliminate persistent infection - Direct surgical access allows us to remove any infected or damaged tissue and seal the area to prevent reinfection.
  • Heal faster - Targeted treatment and infection removal result in less discomfort and a speedy recovery.
  • Keep your natural tooth - Maintain your smile, bite, and chewing function while avoiding the need for extractions, implants, or bridges.

Why Choose APX Endodontics?

At APX Endodontics, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first approach. We understand that visiting an endodontist can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a modern, welcoming space where you can feel at ease. Our team provides compassionate, non-judgmental care and works closely with your general dentist to deliver seamless treatment plans. We deliver expert care with compassion, because you deserve both.

Call
617-789-0777
or contact us to schedule your appointment.

Procedures Offered

Our team specializes in advanced microsurgical procedures designed to save your natural tooth when conventional non-surgical treatments aren’t enough.

Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy): Sometimes treating persistent infection or inflammation requires a surgical approach, especially when going back through the crown isn't a viable option due to posts, crowns, or complex anatomy. Microsurgery gives us direct access to the problem area. We make a small incision in the gums, remove infected tissue and the root tip where bacteria hide, and seal the root canal to help promote healing.

Resorption Repair: Resorption occurs when your body mistakenly starts breaking down your own tooth, treating it as if it’s something foreign. This can be triggered by trauma, orthodontic treatment, infection, or other factors and if left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss. The good news? If we catch it early, we can stop it. Using high-powered magnification and microsurgical techniques, we access the area, treat the affected tissues, and restore the tooth structure. Our goal is simple: halt the resorption and save your tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontic Microsurgery

When is endodontic microsurgery necessary?

Endodontic microsurgery is often the treatment of choice when non-surgical treatment can't fully resolve an issue. This might be the case when retreatment through the crown isn't viable due to a large post or complex anatomy. There could be persistent infection at the root that we can't reach non-surgically, or we may need the enhanced visualization that surgery provides to identify and treat hidden problems like tiny fractures, calcified canals, or resorptive defects.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy (also known as endodontic microsurgery or root-end surgery) is a procedure where we access the root through a small incision in the gums, remove any infected tissue and the tip of the root where bacteria hide, and seal everything to promote healing. It's the most common type of endodontic surgery and gives your tooth another chance when conventional treatment isn’t enough.

Will this hurt?

Nope. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the area, which allows you to stay comfortable and only feel pressure during the procedure. Need a little extra help relaxing? We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to keep you relaxed throughout your visit.

What's recovery like?

Pretty straightforward. You might experience some minor swelling or tenderness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or Tylenol) is usually enough to manage any discomfort. Based on your specific case, we'll give you clear post-op instructions to make the healing process as smooth as possible.

Do I need to take time off work?

Most patients return to work the next day. We recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a few days to give the area time to heal, but you'll be back to your regular schedule pretty quickly.

How long does the procedure take?

Most surgical endodontic procedures take 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and which tooth we're treating. We'll give you a better estimate during your consultation.

How does technology make a difference?

We use cutting-edge technology that makes procedures more precise and predictable: 3D CBCT imaging for detailed diagnosis and treatment planning, ZEISS operating microscopes for enhanced visibility during the surgery, Fotona laser technology for superior disinfection, and bioceramic sealers that support your body’s natural healing process. This allows us to work with exceptional accuracy, which translates to better outcomes and faster healing for you.

What's the success rate?

Very high. Studies have shown that endodontic microsurgery has an excellent success rate, upwards of 90% when performed by a specialist with modern techniques and technology. That's one of the reasons we invest so heavily in advanced equipment and continuing education.

Why not just extract the tooth?

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better call. Your natural tooth maintains proper bite function, keeps neighboring teeth from shifting, and helps preserve your jawbone. Extraction might seem simpler in the moment, but it often leads to more complex and costly treatments down the road, like implants or bridges. Endodontic microsurgery helps you avoid that.

Will my insurance cover this?

Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic surgery, though your specific coverage depends on your plan. We're happy to work with you and your insurance provider to help you understand your benefits before we get started.

What happens if I don't treat it?

Unfortunately, these problems don't resolve on their own. Often they get worse. The infection can spread, bone loss can increase, and you could eventually lose the tooth. At that point, you're looking at more complex and expensive treatments like implants or bridges. The earlier we address it, the better your chances of saving your tooth.

Call APX Endodontics

If you’re experiencing persistent dental issues or have been told you may need endodontic microsurgery, an apicoectomy, or resorption treatment, call

617-789-0777
or contact APX Endodontics today. Our team is here to provide the specialized care needed to save your tooth.

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