A tooth-preserving microsurgical procedure to remove a cyst or an inflammatory lesion in the area of the tooth root together with part of the root.
Apicectomy is a surgical procedure in which an inflammatory lesion in the area of the tooth root is removed together with the part of the root tip that extends into the lesion. Before the resection itself, the root canal is cleaned and treated.
When the procedure is performed
Inflammation around the root tip that can no longer be treated in any other way, where extraction (removal) of the tooth is not necessary.
How the procedure is performed
The procedure is painless, as it is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. An incision is made through the mucosa down to the bone, beneath which lie the root tip and the inflammatory lesion. Using a small drill or chisel, the dentist reaches the root and removes the root tip together with the lesion. Everything is properly treated and cleaned. The wound is then carefully closed, and a drain is left in place for 24 hours. The stitches are removed after about 5–6 days.
With the correct technique, complications are rare, and pain and swelling usually disappear after 3–4 days.
