Advanced Endodontic Care in Midtown Toronto at Lee Dental Associates
Root canals are one of the most common and effective dental procedures for saving a tooth that has been damaged or infected. While a standard non-surgical root canal often resolves the issue, there are times when the infection persists or returns even after the procedure. When this happens, your dentist may recommend a surgical root canal, also known as an apicoectomy.
At Lee Dental Associates, located at Yonge & Lawrence in Midtown Toronto, we offer surgical root canal treatments like apicoectomy to help patients eliminate infection, relieve pain, and avoid tooth extraction. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about apicoectomy—what it is, when it’s needed, how it’s done, and what to expect from recovery.
What Is an Apicoectomy (Surgical Root Canal)?
An apicoectomy is a type of endodontic surgery performed when a standard root canal is not sufficient to fully remove infection from the tooth. While a traditional root canal treats the tooth by cleaning and sealing the canal from the top (crown), an apicoectomy involves accessing and sealing the tooth from the root tip, or apex.
The procedure is designed to remove infected tissue from the root and seal the end of the root canal system to prevent further infection. This is often the last step to save a tooth before extraction becomes necessary.
When Is an Apicoectomy Needed?
While root canals have a high success rate, some teeth may not heal properly or can become reinfected months or even years after treatment. Common reasons your dentist may recommend an apicoectomy include:
- Persistent infection or inflammation after a root canal
- Blocked or inaccessible canals that couldn’t be thoroughly cleaned in a standard root canal
- Cracks or fractures in the root
- Anatomical complexities in the root tip that prevent healing
- Failed previous apicoectomy
If you’re experiencing recurring pain, swelling, or infection in a tooth that has already undergone a root canal, an apicoectomy may be the solution to preserve your natural tooth.
What Happens During an Apicoectomy?
At Lee Dental Associates, we perform apicoectomies with precision and care using advanced techniques to ensure patient comfort and successful outcomes. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Accessing the Root Tip: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to expose the underlying bone and root.
- Removal of Infected Tissue: The infected tissue and the tip of the root are carefully removed.
- Cleaning and Sealing: The end of the root canal is cleaned thoroughly and sealed with a small filling to prevent reinfection.
- Stitches: The gum is sutured back in place, and the area is allowed to heal.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location and complexity of the tooth being treated.
Recovery After an Apicoectomy
Recovery from an apicoectomy is usually quick and uneventful. Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the days following the surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid chewing on the treated side for a few days
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard, spicy, or acidic foods
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and saline rinses
- Take any prescribed antibiotics or pain medications as directed
Stitches are usually removed (or dissolve on their own) within 5 to 7 days. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure proper healing. Most patients can return to work or school within a day or two after the procedure.
Apicoectomy vs. Traditional Root Canal
| Procedure | Traditional Root Canal | Apicoectomy (Surgical Root Canal) |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Accessed through crown | Accessed through gum and bone |
| Purpose | Remove infected pulp | Remove infection at root tip |
| Recovery | Minimal | Slightly longer, surgical recovery |
| When Used | First-line treatment | When root canal fails |
| Preservation | Maintains natural tooth | Maintains natural tooth |
An apicoectomy is a specialized treatment used when all other options to save the tooth have been exhausted. It is often the last effort before extraction, making it a valuable alternative for patients who want to preserve their natural teeth.
Why Choose Lee Dental Associates for Apicoectomy in Toronto?
At Lee Dental Associates, we are proud to provide expert-level care in a calm and comfortable setting. Patients throughout Midtown Toronto, Yonge & Eglinton, Lawrence Park, North York, and surrounding areas trust our team for advanced endodontic procedures.
Here’s why patients choose us:
- Highly trained dentists with experience in endodontic surgery
- Modern, state-of-the-art dental equipment
- Patient-first approach focused on comfort and outcomes
- Convenient location in Midtown Toronto
- Personalized treatment plans and clear communication at every step
We’re committed to helping you save your natural teeth, relieve pain, and restore your smile with confidence.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain or a failed root canal, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Lee Dental Associates today to find out if a surgical root canal (apicoectomy) is right for you.
We’re here to help you preserve your smile—one tooth at a time.
