Question 1

When is an apicoectomy necessary?

Accepted Answer

An apicoectomy becomes necessary when root canal treatment alone has not been able to eliminate the inflammation at the tooth root. Sometimes the thin canals in the area of the root tip are so finely branched that the treatment is not sufficient to reach all the bacteria. In other cases, a cyst has formed, or a bro

Question 2

Preparing for the procedure at the dentist

Accepted Answer

In an initial consultation, we discuss your findings and I explain exactly what happens during the procedure. We look at the X-rays together and I show you where the inflammation is located. A patient once told me: "It's like a map of my jaw." That's exactly how you can picture it. The day before, you should

Question 3

The procedure step by step

Accepted Answer

The apicoectomy begins with a local anesthetic. You will not feel the procedure – the anesthetic works just like during a normal dental treatment. I then make a small incision in the gum and detach the mucosa from the bone. This gives me access to the surgical area. The bone in the area of the root tip is then

Question 4

Aftercare and healing process

Accepted Answer

Mild pain may occur the day after the operation and some swelling is completely normal. Cool the affected area from the outside – this relieves both discomfort and swelling. One to three days after the procedure, the swelling may still increase before it subsides again. It is like a bruise. Pain can be managed with

Question 5

Chances of success and long-term prognosis

Accepted Answer

Thanks to modern microsurgical techniques, the chances of success of an apicoectomy are very good today. Pinto and colleagues showed in a 2020 systematic review that endodontic microsurgery achieves high long-term success rates (DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090447). The meta-analysis by Tsesis and colleagues from 2009 conf

Root apex resection procedure - Vienna treatment