A root canal and an apicoectomy are similar in nature as they are both endodontic treatments that address inflammation, infection, disease, or dental damage. However, the two procedures are unique and have distinct differences. A root canal consists of removing the dental pulp, the live tissues in the center of the tooth, including cells, blood vessels, and nerves. It can be extremely painful if it becomes infected; this is where root canal treatment is necessitated. Removal of the pulp includes: - Drilling an access hole in the tooth - Removing infected pulp with a special tool - Disinfecting the inside of the tooth - Filling the tooth with a rubber-like material - Filling the access hole with filling material In some cases, the endodontist may place a crown over the tooth to strengthen and protect it; this is typically done in a separate appointment. An apicoectomy takes place on the root of the tooth, as opposed to a root canal, which takes place on the crown (top) of the tooth. In an apicoectomy, the infected tissue is accessed via the root tip (or the apex) of the tooth, and a filling is then placed to seal the end of the root. An apicoectomy may be the treatment of choice if the tooth has already had at least one root canal procedure and retreatment was not successful (or not possible); or if the tooth has a crown or is part of a bridge, and retreatment would require cutting through the crown or bridge, which is not a viable option. If you require an apicoectomy, trust the professionals at JC Endodontics! Call us today or book an appointment with our apicoectomy specialist, or visit our practice conveniently located at 200 W 57th Street, #808, New York, NY 10019. We serve patients from all parts of NYC – Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn; including Midtown Manhattan, Hells Kitchen, Theatre District, Upper East Side Manhattan, Upper West Side Manhattan, Financial District Manhattan, Wall Street area, Williamsburg Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Green Point Brooklyn, and Astoria Queens, Long Island City NY.