Apicoectomy in Easton, PA

Advanced Tooth-Root Surgery Performed Right Here in Our Office

When a root canal alone can’t fully resolve an infection, an apicoectomy gives your tooth a genuine second chance without the referral, the unfamiliar office, or starting over with someone new. For patients who are already part of our practice, that continuity makes a real difference.
  • Save a tooth that standard root canal treatment couldn't fully resolve
  • Treated by a doctor with advanced training who performs this routinely
  • No referral needed, everything handled in-house by a team you already know
  • Table of Contents
    Table of Contents

    Familiar Signs That Something Still Isn't Right

    You did everything you were supposed to do. You had the root canal, you followed the aftercare, and you expected things to resolve. When they don’t, when the tooth keeps flaring up or the infection won’t clear, it’s frustrating in a way that’s hard to explain to people who haven’t been through it.
  • Tooth pain that keeps returning: Discomfort that resolves briefly, then flares again
  • Embarrassed by ongoing dental issues: Feeling like your mouth is letting you down
  • Persistent swelling near a treated tooth: Tenderness or puffiness that doesn't fully go away
  • Avoiding social situations over tooth pain: Holding back because you never know when it'll flare
  • Infection that keeps coming back: Same tooth, same problem, no lasting resolution
  • Stuck between options no one explained clearly: Not sure whether to save the tooth or move on
  • You're not imagining it, and you're not out of options. There's often a clear, correctable reason this keeps happening.

    The Longer an Unresolved Infection Waits, the Harder It Gets

  • Bone Continues to Break Down

    Active infection at the root tip steadily erodes the surrounding jawbone the longer it goes untreated.

  • The Tooth Becomes Unsalvageable

    A tooth that's a strong candidate for an apicoectomy today may cross a point of no return with enough delay.

  • Neighboring Teeth Are Put at Risk

    Chronic infection doesn't stay contained. It can migrate and compromise adjacent roots and bone.

  • Referral Timelines Add Up

    Waiting for an outside oral surgeon or endodontist appointment means weeks or months more of unresolved infection.

  • Treatment Becomes More Involved

    Early-stage cases often require less intervention. Delay typically adds complexity and recovery time.

  • Costs Grow with Complexity

    A straightforward apicoectomy now is almost always less expensive than the broader work an extracted tooth creates later.

  • Addressing this now, with a doctor who performs it regularly, is almost always the simpler, less disruptive path.

    What Is an Apicoectomy and When Is It Needed?

    An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that treats persistent infection at the very tip of a tooth’s root when a root canal alone hasn’t been able to fully clear it. The procedure involves accessing the root tip through the gum tissue, removing the infected portion of the root, and sealing the end of the canal from the tip rather than the crown. It’s a targeted, precise approach designed to save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction, and it’s considerably less involved than most patients anticipate.

    At College Hill Dental Group, apicoectomy in Easton, PA is performed in-house by Dr. Moghadam, who has advanced surgical training and performs this procedure on a routine basis. That’s relatively uncommon among general practices in the area, where most refer these cases out entirely. Using digital imaging and precision microsurgical techniques, the approach is planned around the specific anatomy of your tooth before a single incision is made.

  • An apicoectomy is typically completed in a single appointment under local anesthesia, with sedation available
  • The procedure addresses the root tip directly, the area most difficult to fully treat through the crown of the tooth
  • Most patients are back to their normal routine within a few days of the procedure
  • Transformations That Last

    Watch real patients share how their dental journey restored not just their smiles, but their quality of life. These personal stories capture the relief and joy that come with comprehensive, caring treatment.

    Lifelong Patient Testimonial

    Nerves Be Gone, A Sedation Dentistry Testimonial

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    Benefits of an Apicoectomy

    For patients who’ve been managing a tooth that just won’t fully resolve, understanding what life looks like after this procedure is genuinely worth taking a moment to consider. The improvements go beyond the tooth itself.
  • Save a Tooth Worth Keeping
  • End Chronic Infection for Good
  • Protect Surrounding Bone
  • No Referral, No Starting Over
  • Resume Normal Life Quickly
  • Lasting Stability at the Root
  • See What's Possible for Your Smile

    These aren’t just teeth; they’re life-changing transformations that restore confidence and comfort. Each before-and-after photo represents a patient who trusted us with their smile journey.
    Full Mouth Implants
    Dental Implants

    Be our Next Success Story!

    Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

    Who Is a Good Candidate for an Apicoectomy?

    Patients are often surprised to find out this procedure is an option for them, especially after being told a referral to a specialist was the only path forward. Candidacy depends on the specific condition of the tooth and root, but a much broader range of patients qualify than most expect.
  • Had a root canal that didn't fully resolve the infection despite treatment
  • Been referred to an oral surgeon or endodontist and want to explore keeping care in-house
  • Experiencing recurring swelling, tenderness, or infection around a previously treated tooth
  • Want to avoid extraction and are looking for every available tooth-saving option
  • Already a patient at College Hill Dental Group and prefer to stay with a team that knows your history
  • Not Sure If This Applies to Your Situation?

    Many patients come in uncertain whether their tooth even qualifies, especially when they’ve only been given a referral slip and not a full explanation. A consultation takes a close look at your specific tooth and gives you a direct, informed answer about whether an apicoectomy is the right next step.

    Your Apicoectomy at College Hill Dental Group: Step by Step

    Most patients come in expecting the procedure to feel more intense than it does and leave telling us it was nothing like they imagined. The entire experience is designed around keeping you comfortable, informed, and at ease from the moment you arrive.
    1

    Pre-Surgical Consultation and Imaging

    Before anything else, you'll have a comprehensive review of your tooth's history and current condition using high-resolution digital imaging. Dr. Moghadam will walk you through exactly what's happening at the root tip, why the original root canal didn't fully resolve it, and what the apicoectomy will correct. You'll have a clear understanding of the plan and a genuine opportunity to ask every question you have before any treatment begins.

    2

    Comfort Preparation

    On the day of the procedure, you'll be completely numbed in the treatment area before anything begins. For patients who prefer it, sedation is available to keep you relaxed throughout. Many patients are surprised at how calm and detached from the process they feel. You won't feel pain, and the team will check in with you at every stage to make sure you're comfortable.

    3

    Accessing the Root

    Tip A small, precise incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to expose the root tip and surrounding bone. Under magnification, the infected tissue and the very tip of the root are carefully removed. This is the targeted portion of the procedure. It's more precise than it sounds, and the incision involved is considerably smaller than most patients picture beforehand.

    4

    Sealing and Closure

    Once the infected tissue is cleared, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a small biocompatible filling to prevent any future bacterial entry from the root tip. The gum tissue is then gently sutured back into place. The entire surgical portion typically takes less than ninety minutes, and most patients are surprised by how quickly and smoothly it moves.

    5

    Recovery and Follow-Up

    Before you leave, you'll have clear aftercare instructions and direct access to the team if anything comes up. A follow-up visit confirms that healing is progressing well and that the tooth is responding the way it should. For established College Hill Dental Group patients, that follow-up happens with a team that already knows your full dental history. No re-explaining, no starting from scratch.

    Ready to Finally Put This Tooth Issue Behind You?

    What to Expect After Your Apicoectomy

    Recovery after an apicoectomy is more manageable than most patients anticipate, particularly given that the procedure itself sounds more involved than it feels. Mild post-procedure discomfort is normal and short-lived, and the team is with you every step of the way.

    First 24-48 Hours

    Some swelling and mild tenderness around the treatment area is expected and completely normal in the first couple of days. Applying a cold compress in intervals helps significantly, and over-the-counter pain relief manages discomfort well for most patients without anything stronger. Rest when you can, stay on soft foods, and avoid any rinsing or spitting forcefully during this window.

    First 1–2 Weeks

    Swelling typically peaks around the second or third day and then steadily improves from there. Most patients are comfortable returning to work and normal activities within two to three days. Sutures are removed at your follow-up visit, usually within a week, and by the end of the two-week window the majority of patients have no remaining tenderness or restrictions.

    Long-Term Healing

    Full bone healing around the treated root tip takes several months, though you won't feel or notice this process as it happens. A follow-up imaging check confirms that the bone is filling in appropriately and that the tooth is stable. Most patients move through this phase with no symptoms whatsoever.

    Every patient heals on their own timeline, and factors like the tooth’s history and your overall health can influence recovery. You’ll leave with a personalized aftercare plan and specific instructions for your situation, and the team remains reachable between visits if anything feels off.

    Questions About the Recovery Process? We're easy to reach.

    Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile

    Great dental care shouldn’t wait because of cost. We offer multiple financing options with flexible payment plans, so you can focus on your health and smile with confidence.

    Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.

    Apicoectomy FAQs

    If you’ve just been told you might need an apicoectomy, especially by way of a referral slip with no real explanation, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often, answered plainly.

    Why would I need an apicoectomy if I already had a root canal?

    Root canals treat infection from the crown of the tooth downward, but the very tip of the root can be difficult to fully access or seal in some cases. When infection persists or recurs at the root tip, an apicoectomy addresses it directly from the outside. It clears what the original treatment couldn’t fully reach and seals the canal from the bottom up.
    It’s a minor surgical procedure, and that distinction matters. The incision is small, it’s completed under local anesthesia in a single visit, and most patients describe the experience as far less intense than they expected. It isn’t comparable in scope to what most people picture when they hear the word surgery.
    Not at College Hill Dental Group. Dr. Moghadam has advanced training in this procedure and performs apicoectomies routinely in-house, which is relatively uncommon among general practices in this area. For established patients, keeping this procedure here means better continuity and no gap in care.
    Most apicoectomies are completed in a single appointment lasting roughly sixty to ninety minutes, depending on the specific tooth and root anatomy involved. You’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of timing during your consultation, before you commit to anything.
    You’ll be fully numbed so you won’t feel pain, and sedation is available if you’d prefer to be in a more relaxed, detached state throughout. Many patients choose sedation and report that the procedure felt entirely uneventful as a result. The option is there. You’re not expected to simply tolerate it on local anesthesia alone.
    When performed on appropriate candidates by an experienced clinician, the procedure has a strong track record for resolving persistent infection and preserving the tooth long-term. Your consultation will include an honest assessment of how well your specific tooth is positioned to benefit, not a blanket reassurance.
    In cases where the procedure doesn’t produce lasting resolution, extraction followed by implant replacement is typically the next step. That conversation is one we can have here as well. There’s no need to start over with a new provider if the path forward changes.
    Retreatment reopens the crown of the tooth and re-cleans the canals from the top down. An apicoectomy accesses the root tip directly from beneath the gum. They address different aspects of the same problem. Sometimes retreatment is the right call first, and sometimes anatomy or prior treatment makes an apicoectomy the more appropriate starting point. The evaluation determines which applies to your situation.
    Most patients return to desk work or light daily activity within one to two days. Work that involves physical exertion may warrant an extra day of rest. You’ll have a clear, specific recommendation based on your procedure before you leave, not a generic timeline that may or may not apply to you.
    That’s exactly what the consultation is for. Dr. Moghadam will review your imaging, evaluate the tooth’s current condition, and give you a direct, honest answer, including whether the tooth is a strong candidate or whether a different path would serve you better long-term. You won’t leave without a clear recommendation.

    Still Have Questions?​

    Can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, we've got your back! Give us a shout anytime - we'd love to chat and help you out personally.

    Meet the Doctors

    Three Dentists, Three Specialties, One Team

    Each of our doctors brings a distinct focus to the practice, so whether you need a routine checkup, a root canal, or a full-mouth reconstruction, you’re in the hands of someone who does it every day.
  • IV Sedation
  • Full-Mouth Restoration
  • Implants
  • Genuinely curious about every patient. Clinically, one of the most advanced general dentists in the region with 1,000+ CE hours, IV sedation, full-arch implants, smile makeovers, and the full range of surgical care. Among the very few GPs in the region performing IV sedation at this level and with this scope of services. Other offices refer their hardest cases to us. Teacher of the Year at LVHN. Leads a regional Spear Study Club. Key Opinion Leader for Planmeca.
  • Advanced Root Canal Therapy
  • Oral Surgery
  • Eight-plus years of experience at the highest level of general dentistry. NYU Langone AEGD residency. Handles complex restorative, smile makeovers, same-day crowns, advanced endo including retreatments, and oral surgery. CBCT trained. Active in the regional Spear Study Club. Warm, thorough, and the kind of doctor who makes sure you always know exactly what’s happening and why. 

  • General & Family Dentistry
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Resident of the Year at Mountainside Medical Center. Stony Brook dental school. Calm, thorough, and clinically talented well beyond his years. CBCT trained, same-day crown focus, actively pursuing CE in advanced restorative dentistry. Active in the regional Spear Study Club. Dr. Phillip started working in dentistry at 16, which has always been his calling. 





    Your Smile Is in Great Hands

    From routine care to complex treatments, we're here to help you feel confident at every visit.

    What Our Patients Say

    Kind Words from Patients Who Trust Us with Their Smiles

    Our patients describe their experiences with words like comfortable, caring, and life-changing. Hundreds of 5-star reviews reflect the standard of care we hold ourselves to, and we let their stories speak for us.
    Great dentist office! The office was very clean. The staff were very knowledgeable and professional and answered all my questions. My dental treatment was explained to me step by step and was easy to understand. Highly recommend!

    melissa helm

    2 weeks ago
    Very willing to work and make a personalized plan with me

    CafesandWednesdays

    2 weeks ago
    Drive all the way from the Poconos to see College Hill Dental team! They are the best!!!

    Anna Ali

    3 weeks ago
    Had my first exam and cleaning today. Amazing staff; professional and so kind. My Hygienist Emily was absolutely amazing.

    Yaser Khalifa

    3 weeks ago
    I just had my first visit with College Hill Dental Group as a new patient, and it was great! It was the most thorough exam I have had so far at any dentist’s office. I felt like both the doctor (Dr. Phillip) and hygienist (Stephanie) really took the time to explain my x-rays and exam findings and what I could implement at home to help. They also have some pretty cool equipment! Highly recommend, especially to anyone new to the area and looking for a dental practice.

    Kiersten Griesback

    4 weeks ago
    Everyone was very nice and professional, the office was nice, and I got a tour of the office before my appointment began.

    Tanya Toliver

    1 month ago

    Your smile story starts with a simple first visit.

    Advanced Dental Technology

    Why Wait? Most Treatments Completed in Fewer Visits

    Your time matters, and so does getting results you can trust. We use Planmeca 3D imaging, CAD/CAM milling, and in-house 3D printing to plan and complete treatment with precision, often in a single appointment. At College Hill Dental Group in Easton, PA, the right technology means less waiting and more of your life back.

    Visit Our Office

    Caring for Smiles Across the Lehigh Valley

    Our Easton, PA office has served families throughout the Lehigh Valley since 1944. Whether you’re coming from Bethlehem, Palmer Township, or right here in the College Hill neighborhood, quality dental care is just minutes away.

    Get Directions and Plan Your First Visit Today

    Your tooth. Your team. One office.

    Stop Managing This Problem and Let Us Give Your Tooth a Real Resolution

    An unresolved infection at the root of a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing it, or navigating a referral to someone you’ve never met. An apicoectomy performed in-house means the problem gets addressed by a doctor who knows your history and has the training to handle it comfortably.
  • Advanced surgical care without leaving your dental home
  • Sedation available for a calm, comfortable experience
  • One team managing your care from diagnosis through healing
  • The tooth you've been managing deserves a definitive answer and a doctor who can deliver it.

    Call Us Now

    Contact us today and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate dental care.

  • Opening Hours Icon
    MON - TUE
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Opening Hours Icon
    WED
    8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Opening Hours Icon
    THU
    11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Search Our Website

    Search for services, dental procedures, and expert tips from our patient resources.

    Popular searches: Dental Implants, Cleanings, Insurance.

    Download Your Guide to Teeth Grinding!

    Fill Out the Form Below and You Will Receive a Text/Email With Your Solution-Guide To Teeth Grinding.

    Pediatric vs General Dentistry. Know the Difference!

    Fill Out the Form Below For A Guide to Pediatric Dentistry

    Think You Have A Dental Emergency but are Unsure?

    Fill Out The Form Below and You Will Receive a Text/Email With Your Emergency Guide

    Get Your Orthodontic Pricing and Information Guide!

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Get Your Guide To Cosmetic Dentistry!

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Get Your Veneers Pricing and Information Guide

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Download Our Sleep Apnea Solution Guide!

    Fill Out the Form Below and We Will Text/Email You The Solution Guide.

    Get Your Sedation Guide Now!

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Download Your Guide To Tooth Extraction Process!

    Fill Out the Form Below and You Will Receive a Text/Email With A Step-By-Step Guide to Extractions.

    Get Your Wisdom Teeth Information Guide!

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Download our Dental Implant Pricing & Information Guide

    Fill Out The Form Below And We Will Email/text You The Guide Along With A $500 Savings Offer!

    Begin Your Smile Journey Today

    Take This 60-Sec Quiz Smile Assessment to Help You Get Started.

    Sleep Apnea

    Take our 60-second smile assessment to help you get started!

    Discover the Best Option to Get a Beautiful White Smile

    Fill out This Short Assessment to Discover the Best Option to Get a Beautiful White Smile Along with a Free Consultation!

    Discover Your Orthodontic Options to See Which Is the Best for You

    Fill out This Short Smile Assessment to Discover Which Teeth Straightening Option Is Best for You and Get a Custom Consultation.

    Can Dental Implants Work for You?

    Take This 60-Sec Quiz to See If Dental Implants are Right for You!

    Request an Appointment
    Our dedicated team is here to provide you with personalized attention and exceptional care, tailored to meet your unique dental needs.