What does an apiocectomy involve?

An apicoectomy is a specific dental surgical procedure that involves the radical removal of the apex of a tooth's root. This procedure is typically performed when there is an infection or other issue at the root tip that could not be resolved through a standard root canal treatment. During an apicoectomy, the dentist or oral surgeon accesses the root through the gum tissue and removes the infected tissue along with the tip of the root. This allows for the removal of infection and may help save the tooth that might otherwise require extraction.

The focus of an apicoectomy is specifically on the apex, which is the very end of the tooth root. By removing this part, it helps to alleviate the problem without necessitating the complete removal of the tooth itself.