Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
apicoectomy
Pronunciation: ay-pik-oh-EK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of the root tip (apex) of a tooth, typically performed when conventional root canal therapy has failed.
Full Definition
Apicoectomy is an endodontic surgical procedure that involves the removal of the apex (tip) of a tooth's root along with surrounding infected tissue. This procedure is indicated when conventional root canal treatment has failed or is not feasible, and the tooth exhibits persistent periapical pathology. The procedure typically includes root-end resection, cleaning of the periapical area, and placement of a retrograde filling to seal the root canal system.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from apicotomy, which refers to incision rather than removal of the root tip.
In Context
- "An apicoectomy was recommended after the second root canal treatment failed to resolve the periapical infection." — Treatment recommendation letter
- "The apicoectomy procedure included placement of MTA as a retrograde filling material." — Operative report
Also known as
root-end resection
periapical surgery
retrograde endodontics
Contrasted with
conventional root canal therapy
pulp capping
Don't confuse with
apicotomy
root amputation