Apicoectomy in Woodland Hills
If you had a root canal and the tooth is still tender, or a stubborn infection keeps returning near the tip of a root, you may be wondering whether the tooth can be saved at all. Often it can. An apicoectomy is a focused surgical procedure that treats the problem at the very end of the root, and our team at 805 Dentistry performs it for patients from Woodland Hills and across the surrounding communities. You can come to us directly, because our endodontic care accepts patients without a referral.
An apicoectomy, sometimes called root-end surgery, treats infection or inflammation at the apex, or tip, of a tooth's root. A standard root canal cleans the inside of the tooth from the top down. An apicoectomy reaches the root tip from the side, through the gum and bone. We remove the inflamed or infected tissue along with the very end of the root, then seal the root end so bacteria have a harder time getting back in.
Your first visit is about finding out exactly what is going on. Our board-certified endodontist works alongside a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist, and we offer CBCT imaging along with 2D and 3D dental imaging in our office. These detailed images help us see the shape of the roots, the surrounding bone, and any areas of infection that a standard X-ray may not fully show. For Woodland Hills patients, having that diagnostic depth under one roof means fewer trips between offices before you get answers.
An apicoectomy is usually considered when a tooth has already had root canal treatment but problems continue at the root tip. Common situations include:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness after a root canal
- Infection that remains or returns near the end of a root
- Root anatomy that is curved, narrow, or branched and hard to fully clean from inside the tooth
- A tooth with a crown or post where going back in through the top would be difficult
- Cases where root canal retreatment alone may not resolve the issue
Not every struggling tooth needs surgery. Because we also perform root canal retreatments and treat cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries, we can weigh the options honestly and explain which approach makes sense for your specific tooth. If a tooth cannot be saved, our practice also offers extractions and tooth replacement options such as dental implants, so the conversation is about what is best for you, not about steering you toward one procedure.
What happens during an apicoectomy?
During an apicoectomy, we numb the area, make a small opening in the gum, remove the infected tissue and the tip of the root, and seal the root end before closing the site. The goal is to address the source of the problem while keeping your natural tooth in place.
Comfort is a priority throughout. Local anesthetic numbs the area, and for patients who feel anxious about dental surgery, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. Depending on your needs, sedation options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We will talk through these choices with you ahead of time so you know what to expect on the day of treatment. If you are dealing with sudden pain or swelling, our endodontic team also offers same-day emergency appointments.
How do I take care of myself after an apicoectomy?
After an apicoectomy, you will go home with clear instructions for caring for the treated area, and we will schedule a follow-up visit to check how it is healing. Some tenderness and swelling in the area is common after oral surgery, and we will tell you how to manage it.
Our team will walk you through practical steps, such as how to eat comfortably, how to keep the area clean without disturbing it, and which signs mean you should call us. Follow-up imaging may be part of your later visits so we can monitor the bone around the root tip as it heals. If anything feels off between appointments, please call. We would much rather hear from you early.
How can I pay for an apicoectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing to help make treatment more manageable. Our endodontic services are filed with insurance as specialist care, and our team will help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.
We know cost is part of every decision about saving a tooth. During your consultation, we will explain your treatment plan and your financial options so there are no surprises. Whether you are in Woodland Hills or elsewhere in the area, 805 Dentistry, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, is here to help you keep your natural smile. Call our office to schedule your evaluation.