Apicoectomy

Apicoectomy is a surgical endodontic procedure in which the apical portion of a tooth root is resected, followed by removal of periapical pathology and retrograde sealing of the root canal, when conventional root canal treatment has failed or is not feasible.

Indications

• Persistent periapical infection after root canal therapy

• Obstructed canals (calcification, broken instrument, post)

• Apical cyst or granuloma not resolving with RCT

• Overfilled root canal with persistent symptoms

• Root perforation near apex

Advantages

• Eliminates persistent apical infection

• Preserves natural tooth

• High success when properly indicated

• Immediate removal of periapical pathology

Success Rate

• Approximately 80–90% with modern microsurgical techniques