Apicectomy
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Procedure time
Est. 1 hour
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Sensitivity
Est. 2 days
What is the treatment?
The surgical treatment of infections at the tip of the root is called an Apicectomy and is carried out by an endodontist.
This treatment is usually required to remove an infection, and which can persist at the tip of the root on one or more teeth. Previously these teeth may have had an abscess and have been root – treated.
You may have acute pain, but more often, just some discomfort and occasional episodes of swelling, a gumboil or a bad taste. A course of antibiotics may have been prescribed to try to control the infection.
We operate on a dentist referral basis only.
Please speak to your dentist about getting referred to this clinic.
How long does it take?
Treatment time can vary depending on each individual patient’s needs. General this procedure may take up to an hour to complete.
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How much does it cost?
The following prices are a guide only and exclude any additional fees for consultation, xrays and CT scanning, sedation (if required). You will be provided with a personalised treatment plan following a consultant appointment at the clinic. View our full price list.
Apicectomy
£200 - £ 400
Remove Post
£120 approx / time related
Why do I need treatment?
If left untreated an infection will develop into a chronic abscess or cyst. As well as causing pain this can lead to loss of bone surrounding the root. As a result the tooth will become loose.
What does treatment involve?
This involves cleaning out the infection from the bone, removing a small portion of the tip of the root of the tooth and then sealing the root end with a small filling.
It is necessary to make a cut in the gum over the root of the tooth or around the gum margin of several teeth. The gum is then lifted from bone. The area of infection is accessed by removing a small amount of bone over it with a drill.
Any infected tissue is thoroughly cleaned away from the tip of the root before removing some of the root tip. The root end is then sealed with a small filling. The gum is then stitched back into place with dissolvable stitches that take around two weeks to disappear.
Alternatively, your dentist or surgeon may choose to remove them earlier.
What can I expect after the operation?
When the local anaesthetic wears off a few hours after surgery there may be some discomfort. Your dentist will discuss painkillers with you.
The discomfort should ease after a few days but may take a couple of weeks to completely resolve.
Some swelling can occur both inside and outside the mouth after surgery. This is usually most noticeable for about two days. It is important to keep the site of surgery as clean as possible for the first few weeks after surgery.