Services
Apicoectomy
When a root canal isn't enough, our board-certified endodontist can perform an apicoectomy to help save your natural tooth.
Why choose us
Benefits of Apicoectomy
Helps Save Your Tooth
When a root canal alone hasn't resolved an infection, we can treat the root tip directly to help you keep your natural tooth.
Endodontist On Staff
Our team includes a board-certified endodontist who focuses on treating the inside and roots of teeth.
Detailed 3D Imaging
We offer CBCT and 3D dental imaging to get a clear view of the root and surrounding bone before treatment.
Comfort Options Available
Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers sedation options, including nitrous, oral, and IV sedation, for anxious patients.
No Referral Needed
You can come straight to our endodontic team without a referral, and we accept PPO plans and offer financing.
Sometimes a tooth that has already had a root canal starts to ache again, or an X-ray shows a small shadow at the very tip of the root that just won't go away. When that happens, an apicoectomy may let us save the tooth instead of removing it. In this minor surgical procedure, we treat the infected or inflamed tissue at the root's tip directly, through the gum, rather than going back in through the crown. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, we offer apicoectomy as part of our endodontic care. Our board-certified endodontist on staff focuses on the inside of the tooth and the tissue around its roots.
An apicoectomy is also called root-end surgery. We make a small opening in the gum near the affected tooth to reach the tip of the root, called the apex. We remove the inflamed or infected tissue, take off the very end of the root, and seal the root end so bacteria can't keep slipping through. The tooth itself, along with its crown or filling, stays in place.
This approach helps patients whose problem sits at the root tip, where a standard root canal can't always reach. Some examples:
- A tooth that was treated before but keeps flaring up
- A root with complex anatomy, such as tiny side branches or curves
- A tooth with a crown or post that would be risky to disturb
Because we also perform root canal retreatments, we can weigh both options with you and recommend the one that fits your tooth best.
Good candidates usually have a tooth worth keeping and a problem at the root tip that hasn't settled with conventional treatment. Before we recommend surgery, we need a clear picture of what's happening beneath the gum. Our practice has a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and offers CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows the root, the surrounding bone, and nearby structures in far more detail than a flat X-ray. That helps us find the source of the problem and plan the procedure carefully.
We'll also talk through alternatives. In some cases, retreating the root canal makes more sense. In others, the tooth can't be saved, and extraction followed by tooth replacement, such as a dental implant or bridge, is the better path. We place implants and offer bridges here, so you can hear about every realistic option in one office. You don't need a referral to see our endodontist. If your tooth is suddenly painful or swollen, we offer same-day emergency appointments.
Will an apicoectomy hurt, and what if I'm nervous?
Most patients are numbed with local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure. We know that the word "surgery" alone can make people anxious, especially if a tooth has already caused months of trouble.
For patients with dental anxiety, our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. Options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll discuss which level makes sense for your health and comfort level before the day of treatment, so nothing about the visit catches you off guard.
What is recovery like after an apicoectomy?
Recovery is usually manageable at home, and we'll give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave. Expect some tenderness or swelling in the area at first. Cold compresses, soft foods, and gentle care around the site help in the early days. We may ask you to avoid chewing on that side and to skip anything that could disturb the stitches while the gum heals.
Healing happens in two stages. The gum tissue closes first. The bone around the root tip then fills in gradually over the following months. We'll schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and may take new images to see how the area is responding. If something feels off between visits, call our office and we'll take a look.
How can I pay for an apicoectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients. Our endodontic services are filed with insurance as specialist care, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.
If your out-of-pocket cost is a concern, financing is available. We'd rather help you find a workable plan than see you put off care for a tooth that can still be saved. We'll go over your estimate and payment options clearly at your consultation.
How do I find out if an apicoectomy is right for me?
The first step is an exam and imaging so we can see exactly what's going on at the root. We welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Oak Park, Calabasas, West Hills, and Woodland Hills.
If a treated tooth is bothering you again, or you've been told it might need to come out, we'd be glad to give you a careful second look. Reach out to 805 Dentistry to schedule your visit, and we'll walk you through every option for keeping your natural smile healthy.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Imaging
We examine your tooth, take detailed images, and talk with you about whether an apicoectomy is the right fit.
- 2
Root Tip Treatment
We gently remove the infected root tip and seal the end of the root to protect the tooth.
- 3
Healing and Follow-Up
We give you clear aftercare instructions and check your healing at follow-up visits.