Apicoectomy in Agoura Hills
Imagine you had a root canal a few years ago, and the tooth felt fine until recently. Now there's tenderness when you bite down, or a small bump has appeared on the gum near the root. A new X-ray shows a lingering infection at the very tip of the root. For many of our Agoura Hills patients, this is the moment they first hear the word apicoectomy. It's a focused procedure designed to address that problem at its source while keeping the natural tooth in place. At 805 Dentistry, we walk you through every step so you understand your options before making any decisions.
An apicoectomy, sometimes called root-end surgery, treats infection or inflammation that remains around the tip of a tooth's root, an area known as the apex. Instead of reaching the problem through the top of the tooth, as a standard root canal does, we gently access the root tip through the gum tissue. We then remove the infected tissue along with the very end of the root, clean the area, and seal the root end with a small filling. The gum is then closed so it can heal.
This approach is often considered when a tooth has already had root canal therapy but symptoms persist, or when retreating through the crown isn't the best path. A tooth may have a new crown or post that would be difficult to remove. In other cases, the root shape is complex, or a tiny branch of the canal system can't be reached from above. Our team includes a board-certified endodontist, and we also perform root canal retreatments. That means we can compare both paths with you and recommend the one that fits your tooth.
Patients in Agoura Hills often tell us they want to keep their natural teeth whenever possible, and an apicoectomy can be one way to do that. Saving a tooth can help preserve your bite, the bone around the root, and the natural look of your smile. It may also spare you from needing a replacement such as an implant or bridge.
Here's what our patients typically appreciate about having this care with us:
- A board-certified endodontist on staff who focuses on root and pulp treatment
- In-office CBCT imaging and 3D dental imaging, reviewed with the support of a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist
- Sedation options, including nitrous, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, provided with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist
- No referral required, so you can contact us directly
- Same-day emergency appointments when a painful tooth can't wait
Because so many services are offered under one roof, your evaluation, imaging, treatment, and any follow-up restorative work can stay coordinated. That's especially helpful for busy Agoura Hills families who would rather not shuttle between several offices.
Am I a good candidate for an apicoectomy?
You may be a candidate if you have a previously treated tooth with ongoing infection near the root tip and enough healthy tooth structure and bone support to keep it. The only way to know for sure is a thorough exam, and we begin with that.
During your visit, we review your symptoms and dental history, then capture detailed images. 3D scans let us see the shape of the root, the size of any infection, and nearby structures in ways a flat X-ray can't. If the tooth has a crack that extends too far, or if there isn't enough support left, we'll explain that honestly and talk through alternatives such as retreatment, extraction, or tooth replacement.
What happens during the procedure and recovery?
The procedure is performed in our office with local anesthesia to numb the area, and many patients choose added sedation if they feel anxious. Once you're comfortable, we access the root tip, remove the affected tissue and root end, place a small sealing filling, and close the gum with stitches.
Afterward, some swelling and tenderness are common for a few days. We'll give you clear aftercare instructions, which usually include eating softer foods, avoiding hard chewing on that side, keeping the area clean as directed, and taking any recommended medications. We'll also schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing and, over time, take images to see how the area is responding.
How can I pay for an apicoectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. Endodontic services at our practice are filed with insurance as specialist care, and we'll explain what that means for your plan.
If you don't have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost. We'll provide a clear treatment estimate after your exam so there are no surprises. If you live in Agoura Hills and have a tooth that's still bothering you after a root canal, contact 805 Dentistry. We're glad to take a careful look and help you decide on your next step.