Apicoectomy in Asheville, NC
Years in Asheville
We file your out-of-network claims
Most people assume that once a root canal is done, the tooth is out of the woods for good. That’s usually true, but when persistent infection lingers around the root tip, and no other option can reach it, an apicoectomy may be the procedure that finally turns things around.
At the dental office of Travis Calhoun, DDS, in Asheville, NC, we understand that hearing the word “surgery” can give anyone pause. Dr. Calhoun has been caring for patients throughout Western North Carolina for over 30 years, and his approach to dental care is grounded in honesty, thoroughness, and genuine concern for preserving your natural teeth. An apicoectomy, when it’s needed, is a straightforward procedure with a meaningful goal: saving your tooth.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that targets the very tip of a tooth’s root. It’s typically recommended when a root canal or its retreatment hasn’t fully resolved an infection in the surrounding tissue. Rather than extracting the tooth, this procedure allows us to address the problem directly at the source.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth. The tip of the root, along with any infected tissue, is carefully removed, and a small filling is placed to seal the root end. The gum is then sutured closed, and healing begins.
When Is an Apicoectomy Needed?
Not every tooth that has had a root canal will need an apicoectomy, but there are several situations where it becomes the right next step. Understanding those situations can help you feel more confident going into a conversation with your dentist.
Here are the most common reasons this procedure may be recommended:
- Persistent infection: Bacteria or infected tissue remain near the root tip even after one or more root canal treatments.
- Calcified canals: Calcium deposits in some root canals make them too narrow for standard instruments, but the source of the problem can still be reached surgically.
- Root damage: A crack, fracture, or other structural issue at the root tip is identified that cannot be treated through the crown of the tooth.
- Cyst or lesion: A fluid-filled cyst or other growth has developed around the root and needs to be physically removed.
Each of these scenarios has one thing in common: the tooth has value worth fighting for, and extraction would mean replacing it with an artificial one.
What Recovery After an Apicoectomy Looks Like
Recovery from an apicoectomy is generally manageable and straightforward. Most patients return to their normal daily routines within a day or two. There may be some mild soreness and swelling in the area for several days, which is a normal part of the healing process. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient to stay comfortable.
You will have a follow-up visit to check on how the tissue is healing and confirm that the infection has cleared. Research published in the National Institutes of Health’s journal database found that modern apicoectomy using microsurgical techniques achieves success rates of 90% to 92%, a significant improvement over older approaches. Following your post-procedure care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are key to staying within that range of successful outcomes.
Why Choose a Fee-for-Service Practice for Your Apicoectomy
When a procedure like this is recommended, the last thing you want is to feel like you are just being moved through an assembly line. Fee-for-service dental care means that treatment decisions are made based on what is clinically appropriate for you, not what an insurance contract prefers. There are no shortcuts taken to keep costs low within a network, and no rushed appointments because the schedule is overbooked.
Our new patients often say they chose our practice because they wanted a dentist who listens and takes the time to explain things. That’s exactly the kind of practice Dr. Calhoun has built over more than three decades in Asheville. Fee-for-service dentistry also means you can work with us on flexible payment and financing options that make thoughtful care accessible, regardless of your insurance situation.
Dr. Travis J. Calhoun, DDS: Restorative Care in Asheville, NC
Dr. Travis Calhoun has dedicated his career to providing thorough, personalized dental care in the same community he has called home since 1973. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Dr. Calhoun completed his undergraduate education at the University of Georgia. He stays current with the latest advances in dentistry through approximately 30 hours of continuing education each year. With Dr. Calhoun’s deep roots in this community and commitment to private-practice-quality care, patients in Asheville and the surrounding areas have a trusted place to turn when they need restorative treatment done right.
If you have been told you may need an apicoectomy, or if you have had a root canal that simply has not felt right, we would be glad to take a close look and talk through your options. Please request an appointment to get started with a practice that takes your long-term oral health seriously.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Meet Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."