Skip to content
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. · Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. · Saturday and Sunday: ClosedMonday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.Sudha Krishnan, Dentist license (DMD) · PA License no. 000000(717) 555-0106
Front Street Endodontics
Refer a patient
Refer a patient
CallRefer a patient

Endodontic treatment

Root-end surgery

Root-end surgery, also called apicoectomy, treats the tip of a tooth's root through a small opening in the gum. It is for a tooth that has had a root canal, where an infection remains at the root tip and retreatment from the top of the tooth isn't an option.

How long it takes

  • Root-end surgery is usually one visit of about an hour, with a check afterward.

Refer a patientCall the office
A dentist in navy scrubs and blue gloves preparing instruments on a tray beside the chair

What happens

The visit, step by step.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Planning

    We review your radiographs and, if needed, a three-dimensional scan, and explain what we plan to do.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Numbing

    The area is numbed with local anesthetic before we begin.

  3. 03

    Step 3: Reaching the root tip

    Dr. Krishnan makes a small opening in the gum, treats the tip of the root and seals it.

  4. 04

    Step 4: Closing

    The gum is closed with small stitches.

  5. 05

    Step 5: Checking

    We see you again to check healing, and write to your dentist.

Before you decide

  • Comfort

    We use local anesthetic. Most people feel pressure, not pain, during the visit, and you can ask us to stop at any time. We give you written after-care instructions before you leave.

  • Other options, and waiting

    An infection at a root tip can grow slowly and may cost the bone around the tooth. Another option is to remove the tooth, which your dentist can discuss with you.

  • Risks and after-care

    Risks include swelling, bruising, numbness near the area that is usually temporary, bleeding, infection and a tooth that does not heal. Dr. Krishnan explains the risks that apply to your tooth first. Expect some swelling and soreness for several days.

  • How it is billed

    We bill this as endodontic treatment, and give you a written estimate before it starts. We file claims with the plans we are in network with.

    How fees work

Questions about root-end surgery

Is this the same as a root canal?

No. A root canal works from the top of the tooth. Root-end surgery works from the gum side, and is for when that route has not worked or can't.

What can I eat afterward?

Soft, cool foods for the first days, and we give you written instructions.

Who removes the stitches?

We do, at your check visit.

Dr. Krishnan treats this at Front Street.

Treatment is provided by Dr. Sudha Krishnan, endodontist. Her training is on her profile page.

See Dr. Krishnan's profileContact the office