Endodontic Microsurgery in Worcester

Historically called an apicoectomy, endodontic microsurgery is similar to a root canal, only performed retrograde: from the end of the root up toward the tooth proper. Dr. Ivy likes to say that a microsurgery is essentially “an upside down root canal.” This procedure is performed when root canal therapy is not possible due to obstruction or difficult anatomy. It is also the treatment of choice in cases where root canal therapy has been performed but the bone around the tooth was so infected, it is not responding to the root canal alone. An infection like this can happen if it is longstanding, cystic, or caused by specific stubborn bacterial species. Sometimes, the terminal third of the root is anatomically complex and can harbor bacteria after even the best root canals are completed.