Apicoectomy: when retreatment isn't enough
Been told your tooth needs to come out? There's one more option to try.
An apicoectomy is a type of microsurgery that can save your tooth when other treatments haven’t worked. Dr. Koh treats the problem from outside the tooth — a precise, specialized procedure that most dentists aren’t trained or equipped to perform.
Apicoectomy
Been told your tooth needs to come out? There's one more option to try.
Apicoectomy: when retreatment isn't enough
Been told your tooth needs to come out? There's one more option to try.
An apicoectomy is a type of microsurgery that can save your tooth when other treatments haven’t worked. Dr. Koh treats the problem from outside the tooth — a precise, specialized procedure that most dentists aren’t trained or equipped to perform.
Most patients are surprised: "That's it?" Your mouth stays comfortably closed the whole time.
Most patients are surprised: "That's it?" Your mouth stays comfortably closed the whole time.
Most patients are surprised: "That's it?" Your mouth stays comfortably closed the whole time.
Been told your tooth has to go?
Ask this first: "Is there still a way to save it?"
Often, yes. An apicoectomy lets Dr. Koh treat the problem directly at the root tip—your last chance to save the tooth.
Been told your tooth has to go?
Ask this first: "Is there still a way to save it?"
Often, yes. An apicoectomy lets Dr. Koh treat the problem directly at the root tip—your last chance to save the tooth.
You might need this if...
Had a root canal but still having problems? The issue might be at the very tip of the root—a spot regular treatment can't reach.
Swelling or pain after root canal treatment
Swelling or pain after root canal treatment
Dark spot on X-ray that won't heal
Dark spot on X-ray that won't heal
Dentist says "extraction is your only option"
Dentist says "extraction is your only option"
You might need this if...
Had a root canal but still having problems? The issue might be at the very tip of the root—a spot regular treatment can't reach.
Swelling or pain after root canal treatment
Dark spot on X-ray that won't heal
Dentist says "extraction is your only option"
How this is different
Regular retreatment works from inside your tooth. Apicoectomy works from outside, so Dr. Koh can:
Remove infection directly at the source
Remove infection directly at the source
Clean out cysts and inflamed tissue
Clean out cysts and inflamed tissue
Seal the root tip permanently
Seal the root tip permanently
How this is different
Regular retreatment works from inside your tooth. Apicoectomy works from outside, so Dr. Koh can:
Remove infection directly at the source
Clean out cysts and inflamed tissue
Seal the root tip permanently
What to do right now
If you have manageable pain and are waiting to see Dr. Koh
Take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen as directed
Pain relief
Take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen as directed
Pain relief
Use the opposite side, stick to soft, cool foods.
Chew smart
Use the opposite side, stick to soft, cool foods.
Chew smart
Warm salt water can soothe the area.
Rinse gently
Warm salt water can soothe the area.
Rinse gently
Brush and floss carefully around the tooth.
Stay clean
Brush and floss carefully around the tooth.
Stay clean
If swelling spreads, pain spikes, or you have fever/chills, this could be a real emergency. Please seek care immediately!
Watch for warning signs
If swelling spreads, pain spikes, or you have fever/chills, this could be a real emergency. Please seek care immediately!
Watch for warning signs
Let us know if things change before your appointment.
Keep us updated
Let us know if things change before your appointment.
Keep us updated
What to do right now
If you have manageable pain and are waiting to see Dr. Koh
Take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen as directed
Pain relief
Use the opposite side, stick to soft, cool foods.
Chew smart
Warm salt water can soothe the area.
Rinse gently
Brush and floss carefully around the tooth.
Stay clean
If swelling spreads, pain spikes, or you have fever/chills, this could be a real emergency. Please seek care immediately!
Watch for warning signs
Let us know if things change before your appointment.
Keep us updated
Could an apicoectomy be the right solution for you?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone
If an apicoectomy has been recommended or you have ongoing issues with a treated tooth, expert care is essential. Let us help you make a confident, informed decision.
You don’t have to live with it. Root canal therapy can relieve the pain, stop the infection, and help you get back to eating, sleeping, working, and enjoying life without the distraction.
Our Process
How it works
Three simple steps. Comfortable. Predictable healing.
Get comfortable
Complete numbing so you feel nothing. Your mouth stays comfortably closed.
Precise treatment
Small opening in the gum. Surgical microscope for precision. Remove infection and seal the root tip.
Quick healing
Few small stitches. Clear recovery instructions. Back to normal activities tomorrow.
Our Process
How it works
Three simple steps. Comfortable. Predictable healing.
Get comfortable
Complete numbing so you feel nothing. Your mouth stays comfortably closed.
Precise treatment
Small opening in the gum. Surgical microscope for precision. Remove infection and seal the root tip.
Quick healing
Few small stitches. Clear recovery instructions. Back to normal activities tomorrow.
Our Process
How it works
Three simple steps. Comfortable. Predictable healing.
Get comfortable
Complete numbing so you feel nothing. Your mouth stays comfortably closed.
Precise treatment
Small opening in the gum. Surgical microscope for precision. Remove infection and seal the root tip.
Quick healing
Few small stitches. Clear recovery instructions. Back to normal activities tomorrow.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
Apicoectomy FAQs
Your Root Canal Journey at Greeley Endodontics:
Comfort & Precision
We want you to feel confident and informed about your care. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this microsurgical procedure.
Your well-being is our top priority. Dr. Koh and our team utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure your root canal treatment is as smooth, precise, and pain-free as possible.
What is the long-term success rate for an apicoectomy?
The news here is excellent. Because a microsurgical apicoectomy allows us to directly access and eliminate the parts of the tooth where most issues occur, the success rates are very high—in the high 90th percentile. It's a definitive solution for complex cases.
What is the long-term success rate for an apicoectomy?
The news here is excellent. Because a microsurgical apicoectomy allows us to directly access and eliminate the parts of the tooth where most issues occur, the success rates are very high—in the high 90th percentile. It's a definitive solution for complex cases.
What is the downtime like after an apicoectomy?
What is the downtime like after an apicoectomy?
Can you explain how an apicoectomy is performed?
Can you explain how an apicoectomy is performed?
What issues make an apicoectomy the necessary choice?
What issues make an apicoectomy the necessary choice?
My previous root canal failed. Why is a surgical apicoectomy a better solution than another re-treatment?
My previous root canal failed. Why is a surgical apicoectomy a better solution than another re-treatment?
Can you explain how an apicoectomy is performed?
An apicoectomy is very different from a root canal. Instead of working through the biting surface of your tooth, we approach the root directly through the gums at its base. A major benefit for you is that your mouth remains closed and comfortable throughout the procedure. It is a more direct, efficient, and often more comfortable way to treat persistent infections.
My previous root canal failed. Why is a surgical apicoectomy a better solution than another re-treatment?
What is the downtime like after an apicoectomy?
What is the long-term success rate for an apicoectomy?
What issues make an apicoectomy the necessary choice?
Greeley Endodontics
Greeley Endodontics
Greeley Endodontics
Could this save your tooth?
Could this save your tooth?
If you're dealing with a failing root canal or been told your tooth needs to come out, let's talk. Dr. Koh will give you an honest assessment of your options.
If you're dealing with a failing root canal or been told your tooth needs to come out, let's talk. Dr. Koh will give you an honest assessment of your options.