Sometimes a traditional root canal isn’t enough to fully treat an infected or damaged tooth. In these cases, surgical root canal therapy can help save your natural tooth and restore your oral health. Our North Vancouver dental team provides precise, minimally invasive procedures to address complex cases.

What Is Surgical Root Canal Therapy?

Surgical root canal therapy, also known as apicoectomy, is a procedure performed when:

• A previous root canal has failed
• Infection persists at the tip of the root
• Conventional treatment cannot fully reach the problem area

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum to access the root tip. The infected tissue is removed, the root tip is cleaned, and the canal is sealed to prevent further infection.

How the Procedure Works

1. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort
2. Incision in the gum exposes the affected root tip
3. Removal of infected tissue and cleaning of the area
4. Sealing the root tip and suturing the gum
5. Follow-up care to monitor healing and ensure success

Surgical root canal therapy is usually performed in one visit and helps preserve teeth that might otherwise need extraction.

Recovery After Surgery

After your procedure, you may experience minor swelling or discomfort, which is manageable with pain relief and proper care. Your dentist will provide instructions on oral hygiene, diet, and activity to support healing. Most patients can return to normal routines within a few days.

Benefits of Surgical Root Canal Therapy

• Saves your natural tooth
• Treats infections that cannot be addressed with conventional root canals
• Relieves pain and prevents further complications
• Maintains the function and appearance of your smile

Cost of Surgical Root Canal Therapy

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the tooth involved. Surgical root canal therapy is often a more conservative and cost-effective alternative to tooth extraction and replacement.

Book Your Consultation

If you have persistent pain or an ongoing infection after a root canal, surgical root canal therapy may be the solution. Contact our North Vancouver dental clinic to schedule a consultation and learn how we can preserve your natural tooth.