How much does an Apicoectomy cost in Tennessee?
Underlined terms link to definitions in the Pearl Dental Glossary.
What is this procedure?
About this procedure
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure to remove infection from the tip (apex) of a tooth root when a previous root canal has failed. Performed by an endodontist (root canal specialist). Cost varies by tooth location (front teeth simpler/cheaper, molars more complex/expensive) and whether the previous root canal restoration must be removed.
Price factors
What affects the cost?
- Tooth location: Front teeth ($900-1,400), premolars ($1,100-1,600), molars ($1,400-1,900)
- Multiple roots: Molars have multiple roots, each requiring treatment
- Provider: Endodontist (specialist, more expensive) vs general dentist (uncommon)
- Imaging: CBCT scan often required ($300-500)
- Microsurgical technique: Use of operating microscope adds expertise and cost
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Quote checker
What should your quote include?
Different offices bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.
Usually included in the quoted price
- Local anesthesia (sometimes sedation)
- Surgical access to root tip
- Root-end resection and filling
- Bone grafting if needed
- Sutures
Often billed separately — ask before you agree
- Crown replacement if the existing crown must be removed for access
- Tooth extraction if the procedure can't save the tooth
Health stakes
What happens if you delay treatment?
Restorative procedures are usually recommended once a tooth has lost too much structure to remain stable on its own. Waiting rarely makes the situation simpler.
- Procedure fails to resolve infection in 5-15% of cases, leading to extraction
- Post-op swelling and discomfort for 3-7 days
- Nerve injury (rare, more common in lower posterior teeth)
- Sinus complications for upper molars near sinus
Before you agree
Questions to ask your dentist
A good dentist won't mind these. Print this list or take a photo before your next visit.
- What's the success rate for this specific case?
- Is extraction and implant a better long-term option than apicoectomy?
- What if the apicoectomy doesn't work?
Coverage
Insurance & coverage notes
Insurance coverage varies by procedure type. For Apicoectomy, typical coverage tiers are: No Insurance $900 - $1,900, Basic Insurance $700 - $1,500, Major Insurance $450 - $1,000.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Why would I need an apicoectomy after I already had a root canal?
Root canals can fail 5-15% of the time. The infection at the root tip persists despite cleaning the canal. Rather than re-doing the entire root canal, an apicoectomy surgically accesses just the root tip from outside the gum and removes the infected portion. Often saves the tooth from extraction.
Should I get an apicoectomy or just extract the tooth and get an implant?
Depends on the tooth and your circumstances. Apicoectomy is cheaper short-term ($900-1,900 vs $5,000+ for implant), preserves your natural tooth, and is faster. Implant lasts longer and has higher long-term success rate. If the tooth has multiple problems beyond root infection (significant decay, crack, periodontal disease), extraction + implant may be better.
Does insurance cover apicoectomy?
Most plans cover endodontic surgery (apicoectomy) at 50% under major services, subject to your annual maximum. CBCT imaging is sometimes covered separately. The crown to restore the tooth (if needed) has its own coverage rules.
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