Endodontic surgery is a specialised procedure performed when conventional root canal treatment isn’t enough to remove infection or inflammation near the root tip. This surgery targets the root end of a tooth, allowing for the removal of stubborn infection and sealing of the root canal from the very tip.

At The Endodontic Office, this procedure is recommended in cases such as:

• Persistent infection despite a successful root canal
• Presence of posts or restorations that make retreatment difficult
• Exploration of cracked or fractured roots
• Treatment of cysts or calcified canals at the root tip

The Endodontic Surgery Procedure

Performed under local anaesthesia for maximum comfort, endodontic surgery begins with a small incision in the gum to access the bone and root tip. The infected tissue and the tip of the root are carefully removed. A tiny retrograde filling is then placed at the end of the root canal to seal it and prevent reinfection.

After this, the gum is sutured back, and healing begins. Over the next few months, your bone naturally regenerates around the treated root tip.

It’s precision driven, microsurgical care that focuses on saving your natural tooth with the least disruption to surrounding structures. That’s what we specialise in at The Endodontic Office—minimally invasive, high success treatment designed to preserve your smile.

Why Consider Endodontic Surgery?

1. Saves Your Natural Tooth

Endodontic surgery is often the last opportunity to save a tooth before extraction becomes the only option.

2. Fast Recovery, Minimal Downtime

Most patients return to work or school within 2–3 days with only mild discomfort.

3. Long-Term Results

When performed by our skilled team at The Endodontic Office, endodontic surgery has a high success rate and can help you avoid implants or bridges.

Are There Any Risks?

While endodontic surgery is generally safe, a few risks and complications may occur:

• Nerve sensitivity in lower jaw surgeries is due to the proximity to the mandibular nerve.
• Sinus complications for upper back teeth can be managed with antibiotics and decongestants.
• Post-surgical swelling or discomfort, which typically subsides in a few days.

These risks are rare, and our team at The Endodontic Office ensures every precaution is taken. Patients with pre-existing health conditions or allergies should inform us in advance of customized care.

Immediate Care: First Few Hours After Surgery

• Do not rinse your mouth for the first hour. This helps stabilise the initial blood clot and promotes proper healing.
• Avoid touching the surgical site. Refrain from using your tongue, fingers, or objects to disturb the wound to prevent bleeding and infection.
• Apply gentle pressure if bleeding persists. If slight bleeding occurs, bite down gently on wet gauze for several minutes to help control it.

Ongoing Care: The First Week

• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. You will be provided with a prescription rinse to use twice daily for 5 to 7 days. This helps prevent plaque build-up and reduces the risk of infection.
• Avoid brushing the surgical area. Do not brush the wound site for at least 3 days to allow sutures to remain intact.
• Gentle rinsing only. When using mouthwash, swish and gargle gently to avoid dislodging the clot or irritating the area.
• Take time to rest. Avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days.
• Eat a soft diet. For the first 2–3 days, consume soft foods like yoghurt, soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can significantly slow wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Please refrain from smoking until your dentist confirms proper healing.

Pain, Swelling, and Medication

• Pain and swelling are normal. These symptoms typically peak within the first 48 hours and then begin to improve.
• Follow your medication instructions. Take the prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
• Use cold compresses. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours.

Follow-Up Care and Suture Removal

Your recovery plan will include a follow-up appointment to:

• Remove sutures
• Examine the surgical site
• Ensure proper healing

It is important to attend this appointment so your dentist can monitor your progress and address any concerns.

When to Contact the Clinic

While some discomfort is expected, you should contact our clinic immediately if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Excessive swelling that worsens after 2–3 days
• Persistent or heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop with applied pressure
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus discharge

FAQs

Q: Why do I need endodontic surgery if I already had a root canal?

A: In some cases, infection or inflammation can persist even after a successful root canal. Endodontic surgery targets hard-to-reach or problematic areas at the root tip, especially when redoing a root canal won’t help or is not possible due to restorations like posts or crowns.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

A: Not at all. At The Endodontic Office, the procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. You may experience some soreness or swelling afterwards, but it’s usually mild and manageable with medication.

Q: How long does recovery take after an apicoectomy?

A: Most patients recover within 7–10 days. You may resume normal activities in 2–3 days, though some swelling or tenderness might linger briefly. Following post-op instructions closely helps speed up the healing process.

Q: Can the infection come back after surgery?

A: While the goal of endodontic surgery is to completely eliminate infection, no treatment is 100% guaranteed. However, success rates for apicoectomy are high, especially when patients follow post-op instructions and attend follow-up visits.

Still Have Questions?

Call us today or book your consultation at The Endodontic Office. We’re happy to walk you through everything.