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What if you could replace a lost tooth with your own tooth?
Root end surgery treats infection at the very tip of a tooth root when a root canal hasn’t resolved it. Our Sydney specialist endodontists perform it under a microscope.
Most root canals work. When one doesn’t, it’s usually because infection is sitting at the very tip of the root, somewhere a standard root canal can’t reach. Root end surgery deals with that infection directly, from the outside. You may hear it called an apicoectomy, an apicectomy, or apical surgery. They all describe the same procedure. The point of it is to keep the tooth.
A root canal is carried out through the crown of the tooth, working downward from the biting surface. Root end surgery works the other way, through the gum, at the tip of the root.
The infected root tip and the tissue around it are removed, and the end of the root is sealed. It’s the same procedure described in our apicoectomy, under its other common name.
We’d consider it when:
The whole procedure is carried out under a dental operating microscope. The working area is only a few millimetres across, so that magnification is doing real work.
Expect some swelling and tenderness for a few days, managed with ice, rest and the pain relief we recommend. Most people get back to normal activities quickly.
The bone at the root tip takes considerably longer to heal, and we check it with follow-up X-rays rather than assuming. That’s why we ask you back for reviews. We’d rather check than assume.
If the canal can be safely reopened and re-cleaned, retreatment usually comes first, because it’s the less invasive option.
Surgery is for when that route is closed off. A post or crown in the way, a blockage that can’t be passed, or retreatment that’s already been done without success. Which one you need comes down to what we find on the X-rays.
Fees depend on the tooth, how complex the case is, and whether you have sedation. You’ll get an itemised quote at your consultation, before anything goes ahead, so you can put it to your health fund before you decide.
Afterwards, if the tooth needs a new crown or filling, your own dentist places that. We’ll send them a full record of what we did.
Root end surgery is microsurgery. It needs magnification, surgical training, and imaging to plan it properly.
Our specialist endodontists work with dental operating microscopes, digital and 3D imaging, in purpose-built rooms with day surgery facilities on hand. You can see treated cases to get a sense of the work before you commit to anything.
We do our utmost to cater to the needs of our patients.
Our highly skilled endodontists provide precise, specialist care for every patient.
Local anaesthetic and gentle care ensure a pain-free, stress-free visit.
We use the latest equipment and techniques for safe and effective treatment.
We focus on saving teeth with high success rates and long-lasting outcomes.
Keeping You Informed on All Things Endodontics
What if you could replace a lost tooth with your own tooth?
Most people are surprised by how ordinary the days after root canal treatment feel. The tooth is often tender to bite
Root canal treatment and endodontic surgery are both endodontic treatments – they are not rival options. Root canal treatment is carried
Everything you need to know about our services, treatments, and care.
It depends on the tooth, the complexity, and whether sedation is used. You’ll have an itemised quote before treatment starts.
Dental treatment generally isn’t covered by Medicare for adults. Private health funds with extras cover often contribute, so bring your quote along to check your level of cover.
Both are done under local anaesthetic, so neither should hurt during the appointment. Because surgery involves the gum, there’s usually a bit more swelling and tenderness for a few days afterwards.
Usually a single appointment, plus a short review to remove the stitches. Your endodontist will give you a specific time at your consultation.
Outcomes depend on the tooth, why the surgery is needed, and how well it’s restored afterwards. Your endodontist will talk through what’s realistic for your particular tooth.
It’s uncommon, but if infection persists, the options are usually repeat surgery or removing the tooth. We’d review the X-rays with you and explain both honestly.
Not always. Surgery is often chosen precisely because it leaves an existing crown undisturbed. If a new one is needed, your own dentist places it.
A referral is helpful because it gives us your history and X-rays, but you don’t need one to book. Dentists can use our referral form.
A root canal that hasn’t settled doesn’t mean losing the tooth. Root end surgery treats the infection where it actually is, and for many teeth, it’s the step that saves them.
If you’ve been told your root canal hasn’t healed, or your dentist has mentioned surgery, book a consultation with our specialist endodontists in Crows Nest.
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