Apicoectomy
Pronunciation: ay-pee-koh-EK-tuh-mee
A surgical procedure in which the root tip (apex) of a tooth is removed and the root canal sealed from the apex end.
Full Definition
An apicoectomy, also called root-end resection, is a minor oral surgery performed when conventional root canal therapy has failed or cannot resolve persistent infection at the root apex. During the procedure, the surrounding gum is incised, the apex of the root is resected, and a retrograde filling is placed to seal the root canal. Editors working with surgical dental reports must distinguish this term from 'apicectomy,' an accepted variant spelling. The procedure is documented under both oral surgery and endodontic categories and may appear in referral letters, theatre notes, and insurance pre-authorization documents. Consistent spelling within a single document is essential.
Usage
Usage note: 'Apicoectomy' and 'apicectomy' are both accepted; editors should standardize to one spelling per document and flag the variant in a style note.
In Context
- "The referral letter described a failed root canal on tooth 21 and recommended apicoectomy as the next intervention." — Specialist referral letter
- "Post-operative instructions following apicoectomy were included in the discharge summary." — Surgical discharge summary