How Much Does Apicoectomy Cost?

Last Updated on October 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If a persistent infection develops despite root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend apicoectomy surgery as the next step. But how much does this tooth-saving procedure typically cost with or without insurance?

Apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed when infection and symptoms linger after initial root canal therapy. It involves removing infected tissue from the tip of the tooth root and sealing off the end to prevent further infection.

While not inexpensive, it can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the road, like dental implants. Knowing what impacts the price allows smart financial planning and decisions when it comes to your oral health.

How Much Does Apicoectomy Cost?

On average, apicoectomy costs range from $1,000 to $3,000 out-of-pocket depending on your location, dentist’s fees, tooth complexity, bone graft needs, and various other factors. Understanding the full costs and variables at play allows you to budget wisely when weighing options to fix your troubled tooth.

On average, apicoectomy surgery costs:

• $800 to $1,500 when performed by a general dentist in a standard dental office.
• $1,000 to $2,000 at an oral surgery office.
• $1,500 to $3,000+ at a hospital depending on facility fees.
• $1,000 to $2,000 by an endodontist (root canal specialist).

Many factors can adjust costs higher or lower:

• Geographic location and cost of living in your area.
• Dentist’s level of experience and specialty with apicoectomies.
• Complexity of your individual tooth anatomy and position.
• Extent of infection and necessity for bone grafts or membrane barriers.
• Whether additional diagnostic tests like CT scans are needed.

Request a detailed cost estimate accounting for your unique case specifics before proceeding.

According to ADW Center, the typical cost for an apicoectomy ranges from $900 to $1,300 without insurance. For patients with dental plans, out-of-pocket expenses can be between $100 and $500, depending on coverage specifics.

Another source, Access Endodontics, notes that patients can expect apicoectomy costs to range from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. The final price often depends on factors such as the extent of infection, tooth location, and surgical techniques used. They emphasize that many dental insurance plans cover a portion of endodontic surgeries, which can help mitigate costs.

According to Midtown Endodontist NYC, the average cost for an apicoectomy is also reported to be between $900 and $1,300. This source highlights that costs may vary based on the experience of the endodontist and local market rates. Patients with insurance may only pay a small fraction of these costs after coverage is applied.

A further breakdown from Olympic View Dental confirms that most apicoectomies cost between $900 and $1,300 without insurance. They also mention that for insured patients, deductibles can range from $100 to $500, with some plans covering up to 90% of the procedure’s cost.

What is Apicoectomy Surgery?

An apicoectomy procedure is designed to resolve a failed root canal and save the natural tooth when standard endodontic treatment alone doesn’t fully eliminate the infected pulp tissue. It involves:

• Numbing the surgical area with local anesthesia. General anesthesia with sedation may be used for extremely anxious patients.
• Making a small incision in the gums to access the root tip area.
• Removing any infected or damaged tissue from the root tip or surrounding bone using microsurgical tools.
• Sealing and closing off the cleaned-out root tip to prevent further contamination.
• Optional bone grafting material to rebuild lost bone.
• Stitching the gums closed for healing.

You might also like our articles about the cost of cavity filling, dentures, or teeth shaving.

This procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon or endodontist when a general dentist’s initial root canal therapy didn’t fully resolve the tooth infection or symptoms. It preserves natural teeth when possible.

Factors Influencing Apicoectomy Pricing

Several variables impact the overall price charged for apicoectomy surgery:

• Dentist specialty – Oral surgeons or endodontists charge more than general dentists given advanced skills.
• Tooth complexity – Hard to access wisdom teeth or upper molars cost more based on location.
• Infection severity – Longstanding or widespread infections raise complexity requiring more extensive debridement and treatment.
• Location – Urban and suburban areas are generally more expensive.
• Bone grafts – Grafts to rebuild resorbed bone typically add $300 to $800.
• Insurance coverage – Your out-of-pocket responsibility varies based on plan details.

Discuss how these apply to your unique scenario with your dentist.

Apicoectomy Cost Breakdown

A complete apicoectomy procedure and any related care may involve:

• Initial exam, x-rays, and root canal retreatment trial: $200 to $500
• Apicoectomy surgery: $1000 to $3000
• Anesthesia and intravenous sedation if required: $100 to $500
• Bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration membranes if needed: $300 to $800
• Sutures or surgical dressing: $50 to $100
• Medications and post-op visits: $100 to $300

Total costs often range $1,500 to $5,000+ on average when all necessary components are factored together.

Dental Insurance Coverage

If an apicoectomy is deemed medically necessary rather than strictly elective, insurance may cover a portion of the costs involved:

• Deductible must first be met, often $50 to $250 depending on your unique policy.
• After deductible, typical co-insurance rates of 50% to 80% then apply.
• Remainder is your responsibility through copays or coinsurance.
• Annual out-of-pocket maximums may cap costs once reached.

Always verify if apicoectomy is covered under your unique dental insurance policy and what portion you must pay before proceeding. Get pre-approvals.

Apicoectomy Costs Without Insurance

For uninsured patients, expect to pay the dentist’s full standard rates out-of-pocket without any discounts:

• CareCredit healthcare financing can cover costs with fixed monthly payments over 6 to 24 months. Interest rates apply.
• Dental savings plans may provide 10% to 60% discounts on procedures. Shop carefully.
• Dental schools offer discounted rates for procedures performed by students under faculty supervision as training.
• Ask if paying entire cost in cash upfront nets a courtesy discount from the dentist or oral surgeon’s office.
• Flexible spending accounts can pay costs with pre-tax dollars.

Explore all potential cost-reduction strategies and financing options to keep the apicoectomy reasonably affordable based on your budget. Compare multiple dentists.

Apicoectomy vs Other Dental Procedures

Apicoectomy – Typically $1,000 to $3,000

Initial Root Canal Treatment – $300 to $2,000 on average

Dental Crown – $500 to $3,000 per tooth

Tooth Extraction – $75 to $300 per tooth

Dental Implant – $1,500 to $5,000 per implant

While not inexpensive, apicoectomy provides cost savings over extractions and implants in the long run. Preserving natural teeth should be the priority when reasonably possible.

Saving Money on Apicoectomy Surgery

Some tips to reduce apicoectomy costs include:

• Negotiate discounts for paying cash upfront rather than financing
• Ask your dentist about waiving or reducing initial exam fees
• Use coupons and discounts through dental savings plans
• Compare rates between different oral surgeons in your area
• See if a dental college offers discounted procedures performed by students

Shop around and utilize any cost-saving strategies you can to reduce expenses.

The Bottom Line on Costs

Based on various patient reviews, out-of-pocket apicoectomy costs often fall within:

• $1500 to $2500 for a straightforward apicoectomy on an accessible molar performed by a general dentist. This is considered an excellent value.
• $2500 to $5000 for an intricate apicoectomy on a buried wisdom tooth or upper molar requiring an oral surgeon. More specialized cases demand a premium.
• 50% off or more when using decent dental insurance that covers a portion after deductible. Maximizing benefits makes a difference.
• $3000+ when involving complications like cracked roots requiring extraction after apicoectomy fails to resolve the infection fully. A worst-case scenario.

Seeking second opinions while shopping rates typically produces significant savings.

Final Words

While precise costs vary, apicoectomy typically averages between $1000 and $3000 per tooth depending on your specific needs. Maximizing insurance coverage, comparing rates between qualified practitioners, utilizing cash discounts, and meticulously following post-procedure care instructions allows you to get the best results at an affordable overall investment.

Apicoectomy provides a cost-effective tooth preservation option compared to extractions and implants. While not inexpensive, it offers an excellent value by sparing you from more extensive procedures down the road. With proper shopping and budgeting, saving your natural teeth through apicoectomy can match your health and financial needs.

Answers to Common Questions

Can you have more than one apicoectomy?

In rare cases, more than one apicoectomy may be necessary if infection returns or complications arise. However, the chances of success significantly decrease with repeated apicoectomies on the same tooth. It’s generally better to extract a tooth after a failed second apicoectomy.

How effective is apicoectomy?

Apicoectomy provides around a 75% to 85% success rate based on clinical studies. Proper home care, maintaining the restoration, and attending follow-ups helps ensure the tooth and root remain infection-free long-term.

How long does it take to fully heal from an apicoectomy?

While discomfort and swelling subside within a few days, complete healing typically takes 3-4 weeks for the tissues and bone to mend. Avoid hard foods and follow all post-op care instructions to prevent delayed healing or complications. Most patients see natural function return within a month.