The root apex is the terminal end of a tooth’s root.
Apicoectomy is an endodontic surgical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the root apex and the sealing of the remaining portion of the root. Apicoectomy is performed when conventional root canal treatment, or its retreatment, has failed, in order to eliminate infection affecting the tissues surrounding the root apex. In this way, only the healthy portion of the tooth is preserved and saved, whereas in the absence of this procedure, extraction of the entire tooth would be necessary.
Apicoectomy is a surgical procedure. X-rays are required prior to the operation, along with the appropriate medication. During the procedure, the bone is exposed and a “window” is created in the bone to allow access to the root apex, which is removed together with any pathological tissues surrounding it. This is followed by a retrograde filling of the remaining root.
