If a root canal is not successful in healing a tooth, your dentist or endodontist may recommend surgery to fix it. Surgery may be necessary to locate any cracks or hidden canals in roots that are causing pain and may not be visible on x-rays. These areas of damaged roots or surrounding bone can be helped with root end surgery, also called an apicoectomy
Incisions are made in your gums to reveal the root area causing the problem. Any damaged bone is removed as well as the tip of the root. A filling is usually placed in the root to cleanly seal up that area and prevent future infection and your gums are stitched back into place. Your bone will gradually heal back around the root in the next few months. You may have some discomfort, swelling or bruising as is normal for healing following any surgical procedure. Pain medication will likely be recommended to reduce any discomfort following the surgery.
