Apicoectomy Facts

If the tooth is cracked it can not

always be seen on x-ray, but
cracked teeth are not
salvageable by apicoectomy.
Posterior teeth are not good
candidates for apicoectomy because of multiple roots,
proximity to the sinus cavity, and proximity the nerve giving
sensation to the lower lip.
An apicoectomy is not 100% successful. Front teeth have a
better certainty but conditions may lower the predictability of
success.

Apicoectomy Alternatives
If the tooth must be extracted we will review the best
alternatives to replace the missing tooth.

PAUL J. WALTERS, DDS

DEMARCUS D. SMITH, DDS
MICHAEL G. FERGUSON, DDS, MD
Our Offices:
4420 Conlin St.
Suite 203
Metairie, LA 70006
(504) 455-9960

250 Meadowcrest St.

Suite 104
Gretna, LA 70056
(504) 433-4455
Visit our website

www.oralsurgeryservices.net
for secure patient registration and
directions to our office.

Fixed bridge

Payment Options are Available

Through:
www.Healthcards.citicard.com
www.CareCredit.com
All major credit cards accepted.
Our insurance
coordinators are available for
any additional information.

Dental Implant

Apicoectomy
A procedure to attempt to save a failing
root canal in a tooth

APICOECTOMY
An apicoectomy is a procedure performed on the root of a
tooth that had previous root canal treatment but now has a
recurrent infection causing failure of the tooth.

Infection around the root of

the tooth is approached
through an incision in the
gum area.

A window is created in the

bone and the infection is
removed

Tip of the root is removed.

Filling is placed in the end of the tooth to

seal off the tooth.

3 treatments need to be considered

Redo the root canal conventionally (not always possible)

Apicoectomy removes the infection from the root and

reseals the tooth

Extraction of the tooth and replace with bridge or dental

implant

The infection is scooped out

of the bone defect.