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
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily until finished
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- •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
Suture removal
Return for suture removal
- Day 14
Bone healing verified
Follow-up X-ray confirms healing progress
For clinics
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