Apical surgery in Södermalm – preserve your tooth with microsurgical care
If a previous root canal hasn’t cleared a persistent infection, apical surgery in Södermalm (also called apicoectomy, root-end surgery, or root-tip resection) can save your natural tooth and stop recurring symptoms.
Using modern microsurgical techniques, we remove the infected root tip and seal the canal from the end to prevent reinfection.
When is apical surgery recommended?
- Persistent infection or cyst near the root apex after a previous root canal treatment.
- Complex root anatomy that blocks conventional retreatment.
- Fractured, calcified, or previously treated canals with inaccessible areas.
- To preserve a strategic tooth and avoid extraction or an implant solution.
How the procedure works
We start with a clinical exam and dental imaging when needed (CBCT) to map the lesion and root anatomy. Read more about our dental imaging.
- Comfort & anesthesia: Local anesthesia and optional sedation for relaxed dentistry.
- Microsurgery: A small window is created in the gum to access the root tip. Infected tissue and a few millimeters of the root apex are removed with micro-instruments under magnification.
- Sealing the root end: The canal end is cleaned and sealed with a bioceramic material to block bacteria.
- Closure & healing: The area is sutured. Stitches are removed after about a week.
Benefits of apical surgery
- Tooth preservation: Keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it.
- Targeted treatment: Removes the source of infection outside the canal.
- Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
- Predictable outcome: High success with modern magnification, ultrasonic tips, and bioceramics.
Aftercare & recovery
Mild swelling or tenderness is normal for a few days. Use cold compresses for the first 24 hours, sleep with the head slightly elevated, and follow your medication plan. Avoid strenuous exercise and hard chewing on the treated side for several days. Contact us if you notice increasing pain, swelling, or fever.
Not sure if you need surgery?
If you’ve been advised to extract a tooth or feel uncertain about the plan, our clinicians can review your case. You’re welcome to book a second opinion to discuss options, risks, and expected results in clear, simple terms.
FAQ – Apicoectomy / Apical surgery in Södermalm
What is the difference between apical surgery and a root canal?
A root canal cleans and fills the canal from inside the tooth. Apical surgery treats infection at the tip of the root from the outside when a root canal or retreatment cannot fully resolve it.
Does apical surgery hurt?
No. The area is fully numbed, and you can choose gentle sedation if you feel anxious. Post-operative soreness is usually mild and manageable with standard pain relief.
How long is the recovery after apical surgery?
Most people resume normal routines within 1–2 days. Stitches are removed after about a week, and bone healing continues over several months.
What is the success rate?
With modern microsurgical techniques, success is high when the case is well-selected, the canal is sealed properly, and aftercare instructions are followed.
When is an extraction and an implant a better choice?
If the tooth has a vertical root fracture, extensive decay below the bone, or poor overall prognosis, removing the tooth and considering a dental implant may be more predictable. We’ll guide you to the option that best protects your long-term oral health.
Do I need special scans before surgery?
Many cases benefit from CBCT 3D imaging to evaluate the lesion and nearby structures. Learn more on our dental imaging page.
Have ongoing symptoms after a root canal? Book a consultation at Gloss & Floss Dental Care® to discuss apical surgery in Södermalm and your best options.
