HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the outcome of an apicoectomy procedure?

1. Improved aesthetic appearance of the tooth

2. Clearance of an infected area at the root point

3. Filling and sealing of the canal

4. Extraction of the entire tooth

The correct answer is: Clearance of an infected area at the root point

An apicoectomy procedure is primarily aimed at treating infection at the root tip of a tooth. During this surgical procedure, the apex, or the tip of the root, is surgically removed along with any infected tissue surrounding it. This approach is typically pursued when a traditional root canal treatment has failed or is not feasible, and it helps in eliminating the source of infection, allowing for potential healing of the surrounding tissue. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary goal of an apicoectomy. While improved aesthetic appearance may be a benefit after certain dental procedures, it is not the main focus of an apicoectomy. The filling and sealing of the canal may occur during a root canal but is not the direct outcome of an apicoectomy itself. Extracting the entire tooth is not a goal of this procedure; rather, the intention is to save the tooth by addressing the localized infection.