Apicoectomy
When a tooth continues to cause pain or infection even after a root canal, it can feel discouraging — but there’s still hope. At our friendly neighborhood dental office in Columbia, SC, we specialize in apicoectomy in Columbia, SC, a safe and effective treatment designed to save your natural tooth. This minor surgical procedure, also called endodontic surgery or root tip surgery, targets the very end of your tooth root to remove any lingering infection and help you heal comfortably.
We believe that preserving your natural teeth whenever possible is the best way to maintain a healthy, confident smile, and that is precisely what an apicoectomy helps achieve.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy procedure is a type of endodontic surgery performed when a standard root canal or retreatment hasn’t fully resolved the issue. It is sometimes referred to as a surgical root canal treatment or root tip surgery because it focuses on the tip (or apex) of your tooth’s root.
During this procedure, a small portion of the root tip and surrounding infected tissue is carefully removed. The root canal is then sealed from the end to prevent future infection. This type of tooth preservation surgery helps eliminate bacteria trapped deep inside the bone or root that regular root canal treatments can’t reach.
In simple terms, an apicoectomy is the “final step” that saves a tooth when other treatments haven’t worked, offering a long-lasting solution for your comfort and oral health.
When Is an Apicoectomy Procedure in Columbia Recommended?
Not everyone who’s had a root canal needs surgery. However, if you experience ongoing issues, our experienced endodontist for apicoectomy may suggest this treatment.
You may be a good candidate for apicoectomy in Columbia, SC if you have:
Persistent infection after root canal treatment that won’t go away
Swelling or tenderness around the treated tooth
Discomfort when chewing or touching the area
Root resorption or structural issues at the root’s tip
Bone infection that hasn’t healed properly
An unusual finding on X-rays that needs exploration
Essentially, if bacteria remain trapped near the root’s end (even after a previous root canal), an apicoectomy can target the problem directly. It is a specialized surgical treatment for tooth infection that helps you avoid tooth extraction or implants, letting you keep your natural smile.
What Patients Can Expect Afterward
After your root canal repair in Columbia, SC, some mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal for a few days. This typically subsides as the tooth heals. Over-the-counter pain relief meds generally are sufficient to manage any discomfort.
Once fully healed, most patients experience complete relief from pain and can chew, speak, and smile comfortably again.
If your tooth was restored with a new crown, it will also protect the tooth from future damage or fractures, giving you long-term stability and function.
After your apicoectomy in Columbia, SC, you may experience mild tenderness or swelling for a few days — this is completely normal. Your comfort is our top priority, so we will provide detailed aftercare instructions and pain relief guidance for a smooth recovery.
Here is what most patients experience:
Minor swelling or bruising that subsides within a few days
Some soreness, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication
Noticeable improvement as healing progresses over the next week
Your body will naturally regenerate the bone around the treated area, and full internal healing may continue over several months. Most importantly, your discomfort and infection will be gone, allowing your natural tooth to function normally again.
FAQs about Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy procedure in Columbia usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth’s position and the complexity of its roots. You will be in the office for about two hours total, including preparation and recovery time.
Not at all. The minimally invasive apicoectomy procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during treatment. Mild soreness afterward is normal and easily managed with medication and rest.
If you are only receiving local anesthesia, you can drive yourself home. However, if you opt for oral sedation, we recommend bringing someone along to drive you safely afterward.
Recovery is generally quick and comfortable. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two. We will guide you with specific aftercare instructions to help you reduce swelling and promote healing.
When performed by an experienced endodontist for apicoectomy, like ours, the success rate is exceptionally high. Most patients experience complete healing and long-term preservation of their natural tooth. It is one of the most effective ways to treat a persistent infection after a root canal and prevent future complications.
Let’s Save Your Natural Tooth with Expert Endodontic Surgery in Columbia, SC
If you have had a root canal that didn’t fully resolve your symptoms, you don’t have to live with the pain or consider extraction. Our endodontic surgery in Columbia, SC, offers a reliable way to repair an infected tooth root after a failed root canal and restore your tooth’s health.
Let us help you protect your smile through professional apicoectomy, SC — a proven, long-term solution for stubborn tooth infections.
Contact us today to achieve lasting relief and a healthier smile.