Oral Surgery Apicectomies

An apicectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tip or end of the root of a tooth from the jaw bone, through an opening made in the gum. At the same time, infected tissue from around the end of the root may be removed to control a disease process or to encourage healing.

 

1. After your operation do expect some discomfort, swelling and possibly bruising. This tends to get worse for the first one or two days and then settles, mainly over a week.

2. You will have some stitches in your gums. These usually take one to two weeks to dissolve and do not require removal.

3. Do not smoke for as long as possible after you operation as the healing takes longer and the long-term success of the procedure may be affected.

4. You will be given a prescription for antibiotics after you operation. It is vital that you take the tablets or capsules as prescribed.

 

5. Do a few warm salt-water mouthwashes each day for the first week to help keep the area clean.