← All explanationsApicectomy (root-end surgery)

What is removed during an apicectomy?

An apicectomy is surgery at the end of a tooth root. The tip and inflamed tissue are removed. The aim is to preserve the tooth; suitability must be assessed.

For dental trainees & teams

01 / 03

Accessing the root tip

If inflammation persists at the root end, surgery may be considered. Its suitability is weighed against other options.

02 / 03

A limited part of the tip is removed

The area is reached through the gum and bone. The root tip and inflamed tissue are removed. The rest of the root is retained.

03 / 03

Treating the end of the canal

The end of the canal can be sealed from the root-tip side. Wound care and follow-up checks then follow. Successful tooth preservation cannot be guaranteed.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is it?

A surgical procedure in which a limited part of the root tip is removed.

When might it be considered?

For example, when findings persist at the root end and a surgical approach appears suitable.

What does it involve?

The tip area is accessed surgically, inflamed tissue is removed and the canal end sealed if needed. Healing is then monitored.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): What is removed during an apicectomy?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Apicectomy or retreatment?

An apicectomy reaches the root end surgically. Retreatment cleans the canal system again through the crown of the tooth. The procedures are not interchangeable.

Quick answers

Is the whole tooth removed?

No. The operation aims to preserve the tooth. Only a limited area at the root tip is removed.

Why not simply repeat the root canal treatment?

That option is assessed first. Access to the canal system, the existing restoration and the cause of the findings influence the choice.

Are no more checks needed afterwards?

Checks are still needed. Wound healing and subsequent findings must be monitored. Progress varies individually.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

What options are there to preserve my tooth, and why would surgical access to the root tip be appropriate or inappropriate?

The practice begins planning with a personal conversation and an assessment of the dental conditions.

Options for preserving your tooth can be discussed in person on the basis of the findings.

Discuss preserving your toothChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Apex: The tip or end of a tooth root.
Resection: Surgical removal of a limited part of a tissue or organ; here, the root tip.
Retrograde seal: Sealing the end of a root canal from the root-tip side.

Know the difference

Retrograde access is from the root end. Orthograde access proceeds from the crown into the canals.

Knowledge questionWhich approach is used in an apicectomy?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Only through the chewing surface and the entire existing canal filling.
Only replacing the coronal seal without operating on the root tip.
Surgical access to the root end, with treatment of the affected tip area.

Show answer and explanation

Surgical access to the root end, with treatment of the affected tip area.

An apicectomy treats the root end from outside. Further treatment through the crown is called retreatment.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.