Root canal (endodontics)
Apicoectomy in Da Nang
A small surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth's root and the infection around it, used to save a tooth when root canal retreatment alone is not enough.
An apicoectomy is a small surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, along with infected tissue around it, and seals the end of the root canal. It is used to save a tooth when infection at the root persists and cannot be resolved by cleaning the tooth from the inside.
At Vinmec Picasso, an apicoectomy is planned and carried out inside Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital. Because the root tip sits close to bone and, depending on the tooth, to nerves or the sinus, CBCT 3D imaging is used to map the area so the surgery is planned around your anatomy.
When it is considered
An apicoectomy is generally a next step rather than a first one. Where a tooth still has infection at the root after root canal treatment, retreatment through the crown is usually tried first. If that is not possible — for example because of a crown, post or blocked canal — or if it has not cleared the problem, reaching the root tip surgically may be recommended. The examination and imaging guide which route suits your tooth.
Anesthesia and recovery
The procedure is commonly done under local anesthetic. For anxious patients or more complex cases, IV sedation or general anesthesia can be assessed and delivered with the hospital anesthesia team, for suitable cases. Afterwards, some swelling and tenderness in the first days is normal, and you are given written recovery guidance and a follow-up review to check healing.
At a glance
- TreatsPersistent root-tip infection after root canal treatment
- ImagingCBCT 3D imaging for planning
- GoalKeep the natural tooth
- AnesthesiaLocal, or IV sedation / GA if assessed suitable
Is it right for you?
Often recommended when:
- Infection at the root tip persists after root canal treatment or retreatment
- Retreatment through the crown is not possible or has not resolved the problem
- The tooth is otherwise sound and worth keeping
May not be the right option when:
- The tooth is cracked or too broken down to keep
- Conventional retreatment through the tooth is still the better first step
- Anatomy around the root makes extraction the safer option
Suitability is confirmed only after a clinical examination and CBCT 3D imaging. Alternatives are discussed where they exist.
What the treatment involves
Assessment & CBCT imaging
The tooth, root and surrounding bone are assessed with CBCT 3D imaging so the surgery is planned around your anatomy, including nearby nerves and sinuses.
Anesthesia decision
You receive a plan with the anesthesia option that suits your case — local, or IV sedation or general anesthesia assessed with the hospital anesthesia team for suitable patients.
Root-end surgery
A small opening is made in the gum, the infected root tip is removed, and the end of the canal is cleaned and sealed.
Closing & healing
The gum is closed with stitches, and written recovery guidance is provided for the days that follow.
Recovery & aftercare
- Expect some swelling and tenderness in the first days; the team gives you written recovery guidance.
- Keep the area clean as advised and avoid disturbing the stitches while it heals.
- A follow-up review checks healing and confirms the infection is settling.
Common questions
How is an apicoectomy different from retreatment?
Can I be sedated for it?
Will it save the tooth?
Related treatments
Next step
Talk to the team about your case
Send an inquiry and a patient coordinator will contact you during clinic hours—in English or Vietnamese—to arrange your consultation and explain what happens next.