Apicoectomy: Dental costs and coverage

An apicoectomy, also called a root-end resection or root-end surgery, is a minor surgical procedure to remove the “apex” or tip of a tooth’s root and any infected surrounding tissue. This procedure is usually performed by an endodontist, a type of dentist who specializes in root canal care.¹

While an apicoectomy certainly doesn’t sound like fun, it’s actually a fairly simple procedure performed on adults and children alike. Generally, if an apicoectomy doesn’t work, the only other option is removing the tooth.

Who is a candidate for an apicoectomy?

If a patient has had a root canal procedure but the tooth isn’t healing properly or the root was too damaged, an apicoectomy may be the best bet to save the tooth.

This procedure might also be used to treat a broken tooth, to address issues of bone loss that may cause loose teeth, or to remove calcium deposit in the root canal.¹

Costs of an apicoectomy may vary based on the location of the tooth and how many roots are infected. Based on a national average, the cost of an apicoectomy is $1,414.²

What’s the difference between an apicoectomy and a root canal? 

Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment is a procedure that removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth. Once the tissue has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.

An apicoectomy only deals with the tip of the root and is usually done when a root canal wasn’t sufficient to solve a problem. During the procedure, the gum tissue next to the tooth is exposed and any diseased tissue and a portion of the root tip are removed. The canal is then cleaned and filled to avoid reinfection.³

Most dental insurance plans do cover this procedure. Of course, benefits vary from plan to plan, so it’s always best to verify coverage before receiving treatment.

If dental insurance isn’t an option, a dental discount plan may help you save. A dental discount plan is an annual membership program. These plans may offer discounts or pay a percentage for certain services, but they don’t cover 100% of the cost of any procedure.

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you may be able to use these tax-free accounts to pay for an apicoectomy, but there are specific rules for each. Depending on the account, you may be able to use an FSA or HSA to pay for dental care ranging from routine cleanings to oral surgery, like an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy is usually done using a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. A small incision is made in the gum to allow access to the root tip, which is then removed. Any damaged tissue is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the tooth is filled and the gum tissue is stitched back into place.

Depending on which tooth is affected, the process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. While the area surrounding the tooth may be uncomfortable for a few days, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide some relief. Any stitches are usually removed within a week.³

Dental surgery like an apicoectomy probably isn’t high on anyone’s list of how they’d like to spend their day, but if it helps save a tooth, the time and temporary discomfort are well worth it.