In some instances, tooth infections are not completely resolved with root canal treatment alone.  When this occurs, there may still be infection or inflammation present in the bony area around the end of the tooth after the root canal.  Your dentist or endodontist may recommend a procedure called an apicoectomy to resolve the infection.

This procedure consists of opening the gum tissue near the end of the tooth to expose the bone and remove any infected or inflamed tissue.  The end of the root is also removed and a small filling is placed in the root to seal the root canal.  Some sutures will be placed in the gum tissue.

Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.