Generally, root canal therapy is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to allow infection to heal. After 3D imaging and diagnosis, Dr. Biggerstaff may recommend endodontic surgery. The most common endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy, or root-end resection.  An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding infected tissue. The damaged tissue is removed, along with the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection. The gum is sutured closed. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months, restoring full function.