Apicoectomy Procedure
Save your natural tooth when traditional root canals fall short. Precision root-end microsurgery to eliminate persistent infection in Lower Manhattan.
The short answer
An apicoectomy is microsurgery that saves a tooth when a root canal wasn't enough. We access the root tip through the gum, remove the infected tissue and root end, and seal it — all under magnification. It's the last line of defense before extraction, and for the right tooth, it works beautifully.
The ultimate line of defense before tooth extraction.
When a conventional root canal is unable to resolve an infection due to narrow canals, calcification, or persistent apical lesions, an apicoectomy directly accesses the root apex. By removing only the infected root tip and placing a biocompatible retrofill seal, we preserve your natural tooth for a lifetime.
Why Choose An Apicoectomy
Natural Tooth Preservation
Saves your natural tooth structure from extraction when a traditional root canal treatment has failed.
Endodontic Microsurgery
Targeted resecting of the infected root tip (apex) using high-resolution 3D CBCT mapping and microscopic precision.
Biocompatible Root-End Seal
Seals the root-end with specialized retrofill material to permanently eliminate bacteria and persistent pain.
Over 90% Success Rate
Modern ultrasonic instruments deliver a predictable, minimally invasive procedure to protect neighboring bone.
Step-by-Step Apicoectomy
Targeted Local Anesthesia & Access
The area is numbed completely. A small, micro-incision is made in the gum tissue near the root to expose the underlying bone.
Root-End Resection (Apicoectomy)
The endodontist carefully removes the infected tissue and the last few millimeters of the root tip (apex).
Retrofill Biocompatible Seal
The end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible retrofill material to prevent future infection.
Microsurgical Suturing & Recovery
Gum tissue is repositioned and secured with tiny sutures. Most patients return to normal activities in 24–48 hours.
Can an Apicoectomy Save My Tooth?
When a root canal doesn't fully eliminate an infection, most patients assume extraction is inevitable. But between conventional retreatment and extraction lies a third path many never hear about: apicoectomy. Instead of working through the crown of the tooth, we access the root tip directly through the gum, remove the infected tissue, and seal the root end with a biocompatible material.
It's a procedure that demands millimeter precision, which is why 3D imaging planning is fundamental. Before any incision, we know exactly where the root tip sits, which neighboring structures — sinuses, nerves, adjacent teeth — must be respected, and how much resection is needed. At Tribeca Dental Studio, we use magnification and microsurgical instruments to keep the intervention as conservative as possible.
For our downtown Manhattan patients, the value is clear: keeping your natural tooth avoids the cascade of decisions that follows an extraction — implant, bridge, or partial denture, each with its own cost, timeline, and complexity. If you've been told your tooth can't be saved after a failed root canal, an evaluation at our Warren Street office may reveal that apicoectomy is the solution nobody mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an apicoectomy painful?
+How long does recovery take?
+What are the alternatives to an apicoectomy?
+When is an apicoectomy recommended over retreatment?
+Will I need stitches after the procedure?
+How successful is an apicoectomy at saving the tooth?
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TRIBECA • NEW YORK
Save Your Natural Tooth with Precision Microsurgery
Schedule your consultation for an apicoectomy procedure with our endodontic specialists in Lower Manhattan today.
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