What Needs To Be Done Exactly And Is It Painful To Have Apicoectomy?

Posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2023

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 Answered on

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I am due to have an apicoectomy in a few days' time on a previous root canal which wasn't successful and they now need to cut through the gums. What needs to be done exactly and is it painful? Many thanks.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is done under local anesthesia so is not painful.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for the query.

Well, Apicectomy is a procedure to remove the infection or any cyst from the root tip area of the tooth.
In this procedure the area is numb with the help of Local anesthesia and then the Dentist will cut through the gum to remove infection or cyst followed by sealing the apex of the tooth.
It is a minor surgical procedure so nothing to worry.
It is made painless with the help of Local anesthesia.

Please write back for more queries.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (54 minutes later)

Thanks for letting me know. Is it a long procedure and I would have thought the nerve is already dead since I have previously had root canal control there?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can take somewhere between half an hour to one and half hour.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for writing back.

It can take somewhere between half an hour to one and half hour depending on the location of tooth and the root structure.

If the tooth is root canal treated then the tooth will be painless bit the periapical area that is the area below the tooth root will be vital so local anesthesia will be needed to avoid pain..

Hope this helps...
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (14 minutes later)

Is it similar to root canal treatment?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, it is different

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No, the procedure is different as compared to Root Canal Treatment.
In root canal procedure the root canals of the tooth are cleaned of infection and filled.
But in Apicectomy the area below the root tip is cleared of infection or other problems.

Hope this helps.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng