Saving Your Natural Tooth
When a traditional root canal isn't enough to clear an infection, an apicoectomy (also known as root-end surgery) is the next step in saving your natural tooth. Rather than going through the crown of a tooth, this procedure allows us to address the infection directly at the source: the tip of the tooth's root.
At Axis Dental, we combine high-quality clinical expertise with cutting-edge microsurgery technology to provide a fast, effective solution for persistent dental infections.
In some cases, complex root structures or hidden canals can harbour bacteria even after a root canal treatment. If you are experiencing a "gum boil," swelling or a bad taste in your mouth near a previously treated tooth, it may indicate a root-end infection. Traditionally, it is possible to retreat the root canal conventionally, but sometimes, it is not possible to retreat the tooth because of either the restoration on top, of the risk of fracturing the tooth by enlarging the canal any further. Therefore, patients can consider an apicoectomy, which is designed to:
Remove the Infection: Directly cleaning the infected tissue from the bone.
Seal the Root: Removing the very tip of the root (the apex) and placing a small sealant to prevent future bacteria from entering.
Prevent Extraction: It is the final line of defence to avoid losing your tooth and assists in preventing broader treatments like a dental implant or extraction.
While an apicoectomy procedure with a high success rate, we believe in providing our patients with complete transparency regarding potential risks:
Swelling and bruising are common for 24 to 72 hours.
In rare cases, the infection may persist if there is a hidden crack in the tooth root.
For teeth in the lower jaw, there is a small risk of temporary numbness in the lip or chin if the root is close to a major nerve.
For upper back teeth, the surgery may involve the sinus cavity, requiring specific post-operative care (like avoiding nose-blowing) while it heals.
We provide low-cost, high-quality surgical care by utilising digital imaging and microscopic techniques that ensure the procedure is fast and minimally invasive.
Any fillings used to seal the root are TGA-approved for your safety.
Our purpose is to ensure your bite and oral health are restored without the need for "overseas" outsourcing or unnecessary shortcuts. We also check the viability of every procedure in light of future goals and prognosis so you only get the treatment that you need.
