An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure where inflamed gum tissue and the end
of the root of your tooth is removed while the top of your tooth is left in place. It’s
often called a root-end resection because it works on the end (or, tip) of your root
called the apex.

Apicoectomy surgery might be necessary if an infection develops or continues
after a root canal. If this is suggested for you, it means your tooth cannot be
saved by conventional root canal treatment. Often, the only alternative to an
apicoectomy is removing the tooth, which could affect adjacent teeth that are
healthy. The purpose is to preserve the function of your natural tooth.