Apicoectomy

Advanced Microsurgical Care

When a standard root canal is not enough to fully eliminate infection, an apicoectomy—also known as root-end surgery—may be the best way to save your natural tooth. At Taff & Levine D.D.S. in Potomac, Maryland, our experienced team performs precise, minimally invasive apicoectomy procedures to remove infection, preserve your tooth, and restore long-term oral health.

Advanced Microsurgical Care

When a standard root canal is not enough to fully eliminate infection, an apicoectomy—also known as root-end surgery—may be the best way to save your natural tooth. At Taff & Levine D.D.S. in Potomac, Maryland, our experienced team performs precise, minimally invasive apicoectomy procedures to remove infection, preserve your tooth, and restore long-term oral health.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth’s root (apex) and clears away any surrounding infected tissue.
This procedure is typically recommended when:

A root canal has not fully healed
Infection returns after root canal therapy
The root structure is complex or curved
A canal is calcified or blocked
There is persistent inflammation at the root tip

How the Procedure Works

At Taff & Levine D.D.S., we use advanced imaging and microsurgical techniques to ensure accuracy and comfort throughout the process:

Precise Diagnosis – Digital imaging and 3D scans allow us to identify the exact location of lingering infection.
Access to the Root Tip – small opening is made in the gum tissue to reach the affected root.
Removal of the Infected Tissue – The inflamed or infected tissue around the apex is carefully removed along with the root tip.
Root-End Cleaning & Sealing – The end of the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent future infection.
Comfortable Healing – The gum tissue is gently sutured, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and fast recovery.

Benefits of an Apicoectomy

Saves Your Natural Tooth – Prevents tooth loss and avoids more complex restorative procedures.
Eliminates Persistent Infection – Targets areas that standard root canals cannot reach.
Minimally Invasive & Precise – Modern microsurgical techniques improve comfort and healing.
Long-Term Success – With a properly sealed root end, the tooth can last many years—often a lifetime.

Signs You May Need an Apicoectomy

You may be a candidate if you’ve had a root canal and are now experiencing:

Persistent pain or swelling
Sensitivity when chewing
A gum pimple or fistula near the tooth
Visible bone loss near the root tip (shown in X-rays)

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth’s root (apex) and clears away any surrounding infected tissue.
This procedure is typically recommended when:

A root canal has not fully healed
Infection returns after root canal therapy
The root structure is complex or curved
A canal is calcified or blocked
There is persistent inflammation at the root tip

How the Procedure Works

At Taff & Levine D.D.S., we use advanced imaging and microsurgical techniques to ensure accuracy and comfort throughout the process:

Precise Diagnosis – Digital imaging and 3D scans allow us to identify the exact location of lingering infection.
Access to the Root Tip – small opening is made in the gum tissue to reach the affected root.
Removal of the Infected Tissue – The inflamed or infected tissue around the apex is carefully removed along with the root tip.
Root-End Cleaning & Sealing – The end of the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent future infection.
Comfortable Healing – The gum tissue is gently sutured, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and fast recovery.

Benefits of an Apicoectomy

Saves Your Natural Tooth – Prevents tooth loss and avoids more complex restorative procedures.
Eliminates Persistent Infection – Targets areas that standard root canals cannot reach.
Minimally Invasive & Precise – Modern microsurgical techniques improve comfort and healing.
Long-Term Success – With a properly sealed root end, the tooth can last many years—often a lifetime.

Signs You May Need an Apicoectomy

You may be a candidate if you’ve had a root canal and are now experiencing:

Persistent pain or swelling
Sensitivity when chewing
A gum pimple or fistula near the tooth
Visible bone loss near the root tip (shown in X-rays)

Apicoectomy Care

If you’re experiencing discomfort or complications after a root canal, you don’t have to lose your tooth. The team at Taff & Levine D.D.S. specializes in providing comfortable, predictable apicoectomy procedures using the latest surgical technology.

Apicoectomy Care

If you’re experiencing discomfort or complications after a root canal, you don’t have to lose your tooth. The team at Taff & Levine D.D.S. specializes in providing comfortable, predictable apicoectomy procedures using the latest surgical technology.

Call 301-530-3717 or fill out the form to schedule your consultation with Taff & Levine D.D.S.

Absolutely Wonderful

Drs. Taff and Levine and their staff are wonderful. When my kids’ appointments weren’t in the system, they still found a way to see them right away—no hassle, just kindness and professionalism. I’ve been with this practice since before my kids were born, and now one’s off to college. That says it all. Thank you, Drs. Taff & Levine and team!

JENAISYA M

The best dental offices

Taff&Levine are one of the best dental offices you can visit the place is super clean the staff are friendly and courteous they run the place like a dental should be visits are on time and you feel like they care about you and your time especially in this busy world we live in.

RICK O

I love this practice

I love this practice. always a clean office, well run. My hygienist is thorough and gentle. I only see the dentist every other visit to check everything over. When I’ve needed real dental work like fixing a cracked tooth, Hilari Dunn was skillful and did the fix via a computerized program which produced the perfect filling for the chip.

Anonymous

Friendly and competent staff

Mandy is a professional and and thorough hygienist. My teeth and gums are the best they have been under her care and guidance.

NANCY W

Expert, patient & caring

My family & I have been going to this practice for many years. Dr. Levine & staff are expert, patient, & caring. There is never a long wait in the waiting room. Everyone is cheerful & helpful. Your dental care is a 10!

FRANCINE S

Always a positive experience

Always a positive experience. Dental hygienist is excellent and very personable. Dentists are all outgoing and do a great job. I also appreciate that I am always taken on time.

JUDITH G

This dental group is the best

As always my visit was perfect. I have been a patient for over 30 years and this dental group is the best!! I highly recommend them.

SUSAN G

Very efficient and easy

My appointment was very efficient and easy. They were ready for me when I arrived a few minutes early and I didn’t wait at all. Everyone was friendly including the billing and reception staff. I really like this place.

KURT S

Kindness abounds

I always feel as if I am in competent and knowledgeable hands. Kindness abounds from the front desk throughout the practice. I have been going to the practice for over 40 years and I feel like I’m going home!

LINDA G

Gentle and accurate

Everyone in the Montrose Road office is very kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. My hygienist Nolvia is gentle and accurate, and includes up to date dental information during each visit. My dentist does the same. The office staff are very helpful if there is any type of problem with scheduling, or insurance information. In short, my overall experience with the practice is excellent!

ELIZABETH T

None Better

The doctors and staff actually make me feel happy to visit a dentist office. That is saying a lot. And their care of my teeth is absolutely first-rate. None better.

KARYL C

Best Dentists

The BEST dentists in the DC metro area!!! Dr. Taff is super talented and genuinely caring. LOVE!!!

NICOLE F

Amazing

Hilary Dunn is amazing!!!! My whole family loves going to the dentist because of her. You don’t hear that a lot!!

MIRA R

Always excellent

Always “excellent”! Dr Levine, Nolvia & Marisol & office staff – fantastic! Thanks to all!

PENNY B

Highly recommend them

Believe it or not, I enjoy going to the dentist! Dr. Levine, Marisol & Mandy are always so professional, efficient and humorous! They make my visits very comfortable! I highly recommend them.

MARCIA M

Professional atmosphere

Professional atmosphere. I felt in good hands with good instructions for follow- up. Also, I was seen on time and was well cared for.

NORA G

Perfect

As always my visit was perfect. I have been a patient for over 30 years and this dental group is the best!! I highly recommend them.

SUSAN G

Wonderful

The hygienist and Dr. Dunn were wonderful. I find them trustworthy and very good at listening.

Anonymous

Quality dental care

My wife and I have used the Taff & Levine Dental Office and specifically Dr. Hilari Dunn and super hygienist Nolvia for years and can attest that they are exceptional in providing quality dental care using the latest equipment. We have seen Dr. Dunn for the occasional cracked tooth or implant and have always had successful results.

Don S

The best dental practice

THE BEST DENTAL PRACTICE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY. You’re not only a patient but treated like family. The most congenial medical office I have ever experienced.

Francis N