Apicoectomy in
Las Vegas, NV

Root-End Surgery for Persistent Tooth Infections

An apicoectomy is a minor oral surgery procedure used to treat infection or inflammation near the tip of a tooth root when a previous root canal has not fully resolved the problem. Instead of removing the entire tooth, an apicoectomy removes the infected root tip and surrounding tissue to help preserve the natural tooth when appropriate.

At Blue Diamond Oral Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Kristi Agari provides apicoectomy evaluation and treatment for patients referred by dentists, endodontists, and other providers. Our office serves Las Vegas, Enterprise, Summerlin South, North Las Vegas, Blue Diamond, Spring Valley, Southern Highlands, and nearby communities, including patients who may be searching for apicoectomies near me or specialized oral surgery Las Vegas, NV care.

To schedule an evaluation, call Blue Diamond Oral Surgery at (702) 570-3352.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, also called root-end surgery, is performed when infection remains around the end of a tooth root after root canal treatment. During the procedure, the oral surgeon accesses the root tip through the gum tissue, removes the infected or inflamed tissue, trims the end of the root, and seals the root end with a small filling material.

The goal is to treat the infection while helping the patient keep the natural tooth when the tooth is restorable and structurally sound.

Patients who need surgical evaluation for root-end infection may also benefit from reviewing related oral surgery services available at Blue Diamond Oral Surgery.

How an Apicoectomy Differs From a Root Canal

A root canal treats infection inside the tooth by cleaning, shaping, and sealing the internal root canal system. An apicoectomy treats infection at the root tip from the outside of the tooth when conventional root canal treatment or retreatment is not enough or is not recommended.

A dentist or endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy when:

• A root canal-treated tooth remains painful
• Infection returns near the root tip
• A cyst or abscess develops near the end of the root
• Root canal retreatment is not practical
• The tooth has complex root anatomy
• A post, crown, or restoration makes retreatment difficult

For some patients, an apicoectomy may help avoid extraction. For others, removal may be the better option if the tooth cannot be predictably saved.

Signs You May Need an Apicoectomy

You may need an apicoectomy if a tooth that previously had a root canal continues to cause symptoms or shows signs of infection on imaging.

Common signs include:

• Persistent pain in a root canal-treated tooth
• Gum swelling near a specific tooth
• Tenderness when biting or chewing
• A small pimple-like bump on the gums
• Recurring drainage or abscess formation
• Bone changes near the root tip on X-rays or CBCT imaging
• Ongoing inflammation despite prior endodontic care

If you are experiencing these symptoms in Las Vegas, Enterprise, Summerlin South, North Las Vegas, or nearby areas, Blue Diamond Oral Surgery can evaluate whether apicoectomy, monitoring, retreatment, or extraction may be appropriate.

Diagnostic Imaging for Root-End Surgery

Accurate imaging is important before an apicoectomy because root tips are located close to bone, nerves, sinuses, and neighboring teeth. Blue Diamond Oral Surgery may use CBCT imaging to better understand the tooth root, infection pattern, and surrounding anatomy.

CBCT imaging can help evaluate:

• The location and size of the infection
• The shape and number of tooth roots
• Hidden canals or root fractures
• Bone changes around the tooth
• Proximity to the sinus or nerve structures
• Whether the tooth is a reasonable candidate for root-end surgery

Patients can learn more about advanced imaging on the CBCT cone beam scanning page.

The Apicoectomy Procedure

An apicoectomy is usually completed in one visit. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and sedation may be available for eligible patients who feel anxious or need additional comfort support.

1. Consultation and Treatment Planning

Dr. Agari reviews your symptoms, dental history, previous root canal treatment, and diagnostic imaging. The team will explain whether an apicoectomy is likely to help preserve the tooth or whether another treatment option may be more appropriate.

2. Accessing the Root Tip

A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth. This allows the oral surgeon to reach the root tip and surrounding inflamed or infected tissue.

3. Removing Infection and Root-End Tissue

The infected tissue is carefully removed. The end of the root is trimmed to remove the area most likely associated with persistent infection.

4. Sealing the Root End

A small biocompatible filling material is placed at the root end to reduce the risk of reinfection.

5. Suturing and Healing

The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured. Over time, the bone can begin healing around the treated area. Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor recovery.

Sedation and Comfort Options

Some apicoectomy cases can be completed with local anesthesia alone. Other patients may benefit from sedation, especially if they feel nervous about treatment or need a more complex procedure.

Blue Diamond Oral Surgery offers comfort-focused care and may discuss options such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation when appropriate. Patients can review available sedation options before their visit.

Recovery and Aftercare

Mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, and minor bleeding can occur after an apicoectomy. These symptoms usually improve as the surgical site begins to heal.

After surgery, patients are commonly advised to:

• Take medication as directed
• Use cold compresses as recommended
• Eat soft foods for the first few days
• Avoid chewing directly on the treated area
• Brush gently around the surgical site
• Avoid strenuous activity during early healing
• Follow all post-operative instructions from the surgical team

Most patients return to normal routines within a few days, although complete bone healing takes longer. Dr. Agari will explain the expected timeline based on the tooth location, infection severity, and individual healing factors.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy may be appropriate for patients who want to preserve a natural tooth and have a root-end infection that can be surgically accessed.

Good candidates may include patients who:

• Have persistent infection after root canal treatment
• Have a tooth that is still structurally restorable
• Cannot undergo conventional root canal retreatment
• Have a localized abscess or cyst near the root tip
• Have enough healthy bone and gum support
• Are healthy enough for minor oral surgery
• Have been referred by a dentist or endodontist for root-end evaluation

The recommendation depends on the tooth, infection pattern, imaging findings, and long-term restorability.

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

An apicoectomy is not right for every tooth or every patient. In some cases, extraction or another treatment plan may provide a more predictable result.

A patient may not be a good candidate if:

• The tooth has a vertical root fracture
• The tooth is severely loose
• There is extensive bone loss
• The tooth cannot be restored with a filling or crown
• Infection is too widespread
• The root anatomy cannot be safely accessed
• Medical factors make surgery higher risk

If extraction is recommended instead, Blue Diamond Oral Surgery can discuss replacement options when appropriate, including dental implant services.

Apicoectomy vs. Tooth Extraction

An apicoectomy is designed to help save a tooth by treating infection at the root tip. Extraction removes the tooth entirely. The right option depends on whether the tooth is restorable and whether root-end surgery has a reasonable chance of resolving the infection.

An apicoectomy may be preferred when the tooth has good structure, stable bone support, and a localized root-end problem. Extraction may be recommended when the tooth is fractured, severely damaged, unstable, or unlikely to heal predictably.

Patients searching for oral surgeon Las Vegas or oral surgery Las Vegas often need this type of decision-making support. At Blue Diamond Oral Surgery, the goal is to explain the benefits, limitations, and alternatives clearly so patients can make an informed choice.

Local Apicoectomy Care in Las Vegas, NV

Blue Diamond Oral Surgery is located in Las Vegas, NV, near the Blue Diamond corridor and convenient for patients from Enterprise, Summerlin South, Spring Valley, Southern Highlands, and North Las Vegas. Patients may also travel from nearby Nevada communities, including Crystal, NV, when they are referred for specialized evaluation.

Because an apicoectomy often follows previous root canal treatment, many patients are referred by their general dentist or endodontist. Our team works to support continuity of care and provide clear communication before and after treatment.

Patients searching for cirugía oral Las Vegas NV can contact Blue Diamond Oral Surgery for oral surgery evaluation in Las Vegas, NV. Our team can help patients understand the treatment process, appointment expectations, and available care options.

Why Choose Blue Diamond Oral Surgery?

Blue Diamond Oral Surgery provides apicoectomy care with advanced imaging, detailed diagnosis, and a patient-centered surgical approach.

Patients choose our Las Vegas, NV office for:

• Surgical care from Dr. Kristi Agari, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with training in dentoalveolar surgery, implantology, and facial trauma
• CBCT imaging for precise root-end evaluation
• Sedation options for eligible patients
• Coordination with referring dentists and endodontists
• Clear post-operative instructions
• Convenient access for Las Vegas, Enterprise, Summerlin South, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Southern Highlands, and Blue Diamond patients

Patients comparing blue diamond oral surgery reviews, best of Las Vegas oral surgeons, oral surgeon Henderson NV, or oral surgery Henderson NV should consider provider training, procedure experience, technology, communication, and whether the office offers the specific procedure recommended by their dentist. You can learn more about our doctors on the Meet the Doctors page.

Blue Diamond Oral Surgery also evaluates other oral and maxillofacial concerns, including tooth removal, implant-related treatment, and conditions that may involve broader jaw anatomy. Patients searching for jaw surgery Las Vegas can review available surgical services or call to determine whether a consultation is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an apicoectomy take?

An apicoectomy commonly takes about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth location, root anatomy, infection size, and procedure complexity. Your visit may include preparation time, anesthesia, surgical treatment, and post-operative instructions before you leave the office.

Is an apicoectomy painful?

Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and sedation may be available for eligible patients. Most patients feel pressure during treatment rather than sharp pain. Mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness afterward is common and can usually be managed with medication and home care instructions.

What happens if I do not get an apicoectomy?

If a persistent root-end infection is not treated, symptoms may worsen and the infection can affect surrounding bone or gum tissue. In some cases, the tooth may eventually require extraction. A consultation helps determine whether monitoring, apicoectomy, retreatment, or removal is appropriate.

How successful is an apicoectomy?

Success depends on the tooth structure, root anatomy, infection severity, quality of the previous root canal, and overall oral health. Many apicoectomies help preserve natural teeth, but no surgical procedure can be guaranteed. Dr. Agari will explain the expected outlook for your specific case.

What is the difference between an apicoectomy and extraction?

An apicoectomy treats infection at the root tip while keeping the tooth in place. Extraction removes the entire tooth. Apicoectomy may be recommended when the tooth is restorable and worth preserving. Extraction may be better when the tooth is fractured, unstable, or unlikely to heal predictably.