Apicoectomy
Pronunciation: ay-pee-koh-EK-toh-mee
A minor oral surgical procedure in which the root apex of a tooth is surgically removed and the root canal sealed from the apical end.
Full Definition
An apicoectomy (also termed apicectomy or root-end resection) is performed when conventional endodontic retreatment has failed or is not feasible. The procedure involves raising a mucoperiosteal flap, removing a portion of the root apex, curettage of the periapical tissue, and placement of a root-end filling material. It appears in surgical operation notes, consent forms, and insurance benefit claims. Editors should be consistent in their choice between 'apicoectomy' and 'apicectomy' within a single document, noting that both spellings are clinically accepted.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'apicoectomy' and 'apicectomy' are accepted; editors must standardize whichever form is first used across the document.
In Context
- "Consent was obtained for apicoectomy of the upper left lateral incisor following failed retreatment." — Surgical consent form
- "The operative note described a conventional apicoectomy with MTA root-end fill." — Endodontic surgical operative note