Root-End Surgery for Patients from the UK and Europe

In some cases, a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment may continue to show signs of infection at the tip of the root. This may appear on radiographic images as a lesion or be associated with symptoms such as recurrent abscesses, ongoing sensitivity or persistent inflammation.

When this occurs, removing the tooth is not always the only option. In suitable cases, the infected tissue around the root tip can be surgically cleaned through a procedure known as apicoectomy (root-end surgery).

At Dentopol Istanbul, apical surgery procedures are carefully planned following clinical examination, panoramic X-rays and, when required, other advanced imaging techniques. Each case is assessed individually by considering the structure of the tooth, the surrounding bone support and the extent of the infection.

For patients travelling from the UK and other European countries, existing dental scans can often be reviewed remotely before the treatment in Istanbul is planned. This allows patients to understand their treatment options before travelling.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes infected tissue from the tip of a tooth root. It is usually considered when an infection persists after root canal treatment or when healing does not occur as expected.

During the procedure, the infected root-end area is cleaned and, if necessary, a small portion of the root tip is removed. The aim is to eliminate the infection while preserving the natural tooth.

However, this procedure is not suitable for every case. The decision to perform apical surgery depends on clinical findings, radiological evaluation and the structural condition of the tooth.

If you have been advised that a tooth may need to be removed due to persistent infection, a specialist evaluation may determine whether the tooth can still be preserved through surgical treatment.

When Is Root-End Surgery Recommended?

In some teeth, infection may persist even after root canal therapy. In these situations, surgical intervention may be considered as an alternative to extraction.

Root-end surgery is most commonly evaluated in cases such as:

• Persistent infection after root canal treatment
• Root-end lesions visible on radiographic images
• Recurrent dental abscesses
• Situations where repeating the root canal treatment is not feasible

The decision to perform apical surgery is never based on a single factor. The tooth structure, surrounding bone condition and overall oral health are all taken into account during the evaluation.

The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the location of the tooth and the extent of the infection.

Suitability for the procedure can only be determined after clinical examination and radiological analysis.

The information on our website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a diagnosis or treatment. Since the outcomes of surgical and interventional procedures may vary from person to person, we recommend consulting a physician before undergoing any procedure.