Nonsurgical retreatment
Reopening the tooth can allow additional cleaning and sealing. Missed canals, new decay, or a leaking restoration may need evaluation before deciding on surgery.
Understand retreatment ↗ROOT-END SURGERY
Apicoectomy
in Thousand Oaks.
Another way to save a tooth.
A decision made with care.
If a tooth has not healed after root canal treatment, surgery may be one option. At Lombard Dental Studio, discuss your symptoms with Dr. Vadim Lebovich, understand the findings, and explore the next step for your natural tooth.
WHAT DOES APICOECTOMY TREAT?
Address the problem
at the root tip.
Sometimes inflammation or infection remains around a root end after a root canal. An apicoectomy removes the root tip and affected surrounding tissue, helping preserve the remaining tooth.
This is endodontic surgery. It is not a routine treatment for advanced gum disease, and it is not needed for every tooth that remains uncomfortable after treatment.
AAE guide to endodontic surgery ↗BEFORE SURGERY
Know the plan.
Know who will
provide your care.
Ask whether your case can be managed here or requires referral to an endodontist or another appropriate specialist.
Meet Dr. Vadim Lebovich ↗Assessment and imaging
The examination and appropriate imaging help identify the affected area, review the previous treatment, and assess whether the tooth can be preserved.
Medical history and medicines
Share medications, allergies, and health conditions. Ask for instructions about any medicines or rinses; do not change prescribed medicines on your own.
Consent and practical details
Discuss the expected benefit, limitations, risks, alternatives, comfort measures, transportation, and follow-up before your appointment.
THE PROCEDURE
Treat the root end.
Support healing.
Your treating clinician explains the approach for your tooth. Procedure length and additional steps depend on the findings and surgical complexity.
Numb and access
Local anesthesia supports comfort. The gum is opened to reach the root end and surrounding bone.
Remove affected tissue
The root tip and inflamed or infected tissue are removed.
Seal and close
A small filling may seal the root end. Sutures close the gum tissue.
Review healing
Follow-up appointments assess recovery. Bone healing takes place over subsequent months.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
Give recovery
the attention it needs.
Follow the instructions provided for your surgery. Soreness and swelling can occur as the incision heals.
- Wait for numbness to wear off before eating.
- Discuss soft foods, hydration, and when to resume your usual diet.
- Follow guidance on cold compresses, activity, cleaning near the incision, and any prescribed rinses.
- Take medicines only as directed and attend follow-up visits.
Ask whom to contact after hours. Report worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever, persistent bleeding, or medication reactions promptly. Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care.
RISKS & EXPECTATIONS
An informed decision
for your tooth.
Healing and long-term results vary. Surgery may not resolve the problem, and further treatment or extraction may still be necessary.
Ask your clinician about risks specific to the tooth’s location, your health, and the planned approach, as well as expected soreness, swelling, and any possible complications. Understand how healing will be assessed before proceeding.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Your apicoectomy
questions.
Bring your questions about suitability, recovery, cost, and insurance to your assessment.
What is an apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, or root-end resection, removes the tip of a tooth root and nearby inflamed or infected tissue. A small root-end filling may seal the canal. The aim is to preserve a tooth when nonsurgical care alone is insufficient.
Is an apicoectomy right for me?
It depends on the diagnosis, previous treatment, access to the canals, and whether the tooth can be restored. Persistent symptoms do not automatically mean surgery is necessary. An examination and review of your records help guide the decision.
Is this the same as a root canal?
No. Conventional root canal treatment works through an opening in the tooth’s crown. An apicoectomy approaches the root end through the gum and underlying bone. It is commonly considered after a previous root canal.
Will the procedure hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to support comfort during surgery. Soreness and swelling can occur afterward. Tell your clinician about numbing difficulties, anxiety, and medications so they can discuss an appropriate comfort and recovery plan.
How long does an apicoectomy take?
The time varies with tooth location, root anatomy, and surgical complexity. Ask for the expected appointment length for your case, including preparation and recovery time if sedation is planned.
Can I drive myself home?
Ask before your appointment. Local anesthesia alone may allow you to drive, but sedation and certain medicines can make driving unsafe and require an escort. Follow your treating clinician’s instructions.
When can I resume normal activities?
Many patients resume routine activities the next day, but the procedure, your health, and the demands of your work can affect recovery. Ask when to return to exercise, physical work, and your usual routine.
Will my stitches dissolve?
That depends on the suture used. Some dissolve; others require removal. Confirm your follow-up appointment and instructions for cleaning near the surgical site.
How much does an apicoectomy cost?
Cost depends on the tooth, imaging, surgical complexity, and other care required. Ask for an estimate that explains the procedure, any sedation, and follow-up visits. A treatment quote should follow assessment rather than a general online price.
Does insurance cover apicoectomy?
Benefits differ by plan. Confirm coverage, deductibles, annual limits, and any authorization requirements before treatment. An insurer’s estimate is not a guarantee of payment.
What is the success rate?
There is no guaranteed outcome or single percentage that predicts your tooth’s future. Ask about the expected prognosis, the reasons surgery is recommended, and what happens if healing is incomplete or infection returns.
Can antibiotics replace surgery?
Antibiotics do not replace treatment of an infection’s dental source. They are not automatically required for every localized dental infection. Your clinician decides whether they are indicated alongside appropriate treatment.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Understand the problem.
Choose your next step.
Speak with our Thousand Oaks team about a tooth that has not healed, persistent symptoms, or a recommendation for root-end surgery.
Visit our studio
245 Lombard St
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Monday–Friday · 10 am–5 pm
Contact & directions ↗Further reading: AAE: endodontic surgery · AAE: surgery explained · AAE: retreatment · ADA: antibiotic guidance
