Apicoectomy (Root Tip Surgery) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for apicoectomy (root tip surgery): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
About This Procedure
- •An apicoectomy removes the tip of the tooth root and surrounding infected tissue
- •It saves a tooth when a retreated root canal has failed
- •Success rate is approximately 90%
Apicoectomy (Root Tip Surgery) recovery, day by day
Bleeding & Swelling
- Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes
- Apply ice: 20 min on, 20 min off for the first 48 hours
- Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours, then gradually subsides
Activity & Diet
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Soft, cool foods only
- Do NOT lift your lip to look at the surgical site
Oral Hygiene
- Do NOT brush or floss near the surgical site for 1 week
- Gentle salt water rinses starting day 2
- Brush other teeth normally
What to Expect
- Bruising around the mouth, chin, or cheek is normal
- Mild to moderate discomfort managed with ibuprofen
- Numbness near the surgery site may persist for a few weeks
Healing
- Suture removal at 7-10 days
- The bone around the root tip heals over 3-6 months
- Follow-up X-ray will confirm healing
- Full bone healing verified at 6-month follow-up
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness that worsens instead of improving
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Swelling Peaks
Swelling worst at 48-72 hours then improves
- Day 10
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Bone Healing Verified
Follow-up X-ray confirms healing progress
For clinics
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