If you have a dental emergency, please call us on 010 – 4361604
Nederlands 
English Apicoectomy
If previous root canal treatment has not successfully resolved the infection, the oral surgeon may perform an apicoectomy to remove the affected root tip and surrounding infected tissue.
General information
About the treatment
Sometimes, an infection can develop around the tip of a tooth root. This may happen when bacteria remain in or around the root canal after previous root canal treatment. The infection can affect the surrounding bone and may not always cause immediate symptoms. If the infection cannot be resolved with further root canal treatment, an apicoectomy may be recommended.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. The oral surgeon makes a small opening in the gum near the affected tooth to reach the root tip. A small amount of bone may be removed to access the area. The infected tissue and the tip of the root are then removed, and the end of the root canal is sealed to help prevent further infection. The gum is repositioned and closed with dissolvable sutures.
After treatment, an X-ray may be taken to check the result. A follow-up appointment is usually arranged approximately six months later to assess how well the area has healed.
Fees
Fees
Prior to your treatment, you will receive a personalised estimate of the treatment fees. Please contact your health insurer to check whether you are eligible for reimbursement, as coverage varies depending on your insurance policy.
Surgical treatments carried out at Tandzorg Chirurgie are generally covered by Dutch basic health insurance, unless the treatment is considered cosmetic.
BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally required to have basic health insurance. This covers standard healthcare, including care provided by GPs and medical specialists.
Oral surgery at TANDZORG CHIRURGIE is classified as medical specialist care and therefore falls under hospital care. Our oral surgeon provides treatments that are covered by basic health insurance, also referred to as insured care.
For insured care, you will need a referral from your dentist, GP or medical specialist. Please be aware that the statutory excess, any voluntary excess and, where applicable, a personal contribution may still apply.
EXAMPLES OF INSURED CARE
- Extraction of teeth
- Surgical removal of wisdom teeth (third molars)
- Apicectomy (treatment of an infected root tip)
- Consultations
- Removal of cysts or foreign bodies
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal conditions, including biopsy
- Orthodontic surgery where surgery is required as part of orthodontic treatment
- Diagnostic X-rays
TANDZORG CHIRURGIE also provides treatments that are not normally covered by basic health insurance. These are referred to as non-insured care.
If there is a medical indication for such treatment, prior authorisation may be requested from your health insurance provider. If approval is granted, the treatment may be partially or fully covered by basic health insurance.
EXAMPLES OF NON-INSURED CARE
- Dental implant treatment
- Pre-implant surgery, such as bone grafting
- Periodontal surgery
- Surgical exposure of dental implants
- Cosmetic gum surgery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer to your question? Please feel free to contact us.
After the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience pain or discomfort around the surgical site. Take the prescribed pain relief as directed. If your cheek becomes swollen, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face.
Pain and swelling should gradually improve within three to four days. The small opening in the jawbone will take several months to heal completely.
Contact us immediately if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop a fever, severe pain or significant bleeding.