Care and Procedures

In simple terms, an apicectomy is a "root-end" surgery used as a last resort to save a tooth when a standard root canal hasn't worked. Instead of going through the top of the tooth, the dentist goes through the gum to fix the problem at the very tip of the root. The only other real option is an extraction and/or dental implant. Your apicectomy may a good chance of success and if successful, you get to keep your natural tooth for years to come.

Think of it as a deep-clean for the very bottom of your tooth's root:

• You need a local anaesthetic, just like with a normal filling and you also have the option of IV sedation.

• Your Surgeon will make a small window via your gum to reach the root tip.

• They trim off the very end of the root (usually just 2–3mm) and clear away any infected tissue or cysts.

• A small filling is placed at the end of the root to "plug" it and stop bacteria from getting back in.

• A few stitches (often dissolvable) close the gum back up, as with an extraction.

A xenograft is a bone graft sourced from a non-human species—most commonly bovine (cow) or porcine (pig). Because animal bone is chemically and structurally very similar to human bone, it provides an excellent "scaffold" for your own bone cells to populate.  

Read more

Dental implants offer a reliable and natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. Our team provides comprehensive planning and care, in a comfortable, well-equipped practice, ensuring you feel supported and at ease throughout your treatment. Procedures can be performed with local anaesthesia or IV sedation to suit your needs. Pricing can be provided on request, as it varies depending on each patient’s individual treatment plan.

A frenectomy is a quick procedure to remove or adjust a frenum—the small band of tissue connecting your lips, cheeks, or tongue to your gums.

Why get one?

• Close Gaps: It clears out thick tissue that pushes front teeth apart, helping gaps stay closed.

• Prevent Recession: It relieves the tension that can pull gums away from your teeth.

• Improve Function: It resolves "tongue-tie" or "lip-tie" to make eating and speaking easier.

Bottom line: If that tiny tissue is causing big problems, your orthodontist can decide when it's time to release or remove it, and refer you to us to remove it, so it doesn't reattach or leave scarring.

If you're heading in for oral surgery under general anaesthesia (GA), your anaesthetic will be handled by a specialist doctor with a dedicated technician to keep you safe and comfortable.

Check out the NZSA Anaesthesia FAQs for more detail.

IV sedation is a popular choice for New Zealanders who want a more relaxed experience without going fully "under". You’ll stay conscious and can still follow simple instructions, but you’ll feel sleepy, happy, and very calm.

If your dentist or specialist has spotted a spot, lump, or ulcer that isn't clearing up, they might suggest a biopsy. It sounds a bit clinical, but it’s just the best way to get a definitive answer so you can stop worrying.

A sinus lift (also known as sinus augmentation) is a common dental procedure designed to "raise" the floor of your sinus cavity to make room for new bone. This is usually done so there is enough sturdy jawbone to safely hold a dental implant.

When a permanent tooth (usually a "canine" or "eye tooth") gets stuck under the gums, it's called "impacted." To help it join the rest of the teeth, your specialist will use one of two methods to encourage it to erupt in to a functional position:

Open Exposure ("The Window")

• What it is: The surgeon clears a small path through the gum and bone to reveal the tooth.

• How it works: A small "window" is left open in the gums so the tooth can start to grow out on its own, like a plant sprouting from the soil.

• Why choose it: It's usually faster to perform and is often used when the tooth is already close to the surface.

Closed Exposure ("The Gold Chain")

• What it is: The surgeon uncovers the tooth, glues a tiny bracket with a small gold-coloured chain to it, and then tucks the gum back over it.

• How it works: Only the end of the chain peeks out. Your orthodontist uses the chain like a "leash" to gently pull the tooth into its right spot over several months.

• Why choose it: It is often preferred when a tooth is deep inside the bone or in a tricky spot. Many patients find it more comfortable during the healing process because the surgical site is covered back up.

A routine (simple) tooth extraction is a straightforward procedure used when the tooth is fully visible above the gum and easy to access. The dentist numbs the area, gently loosens the tooth, and removes it in one piece. It’s usually quick, involves minimal discomfort, and offers a relatively fast, smooth recovery.

A surgical tooth extraction is more complex and is needed when a tooth is not easily accessible, such as when it’s impacted, broken, or below the gum line. The oral surgeon makes a small opening in the gum and may use specialised instruments to carefully remove a small amount of surrounding bone or divide the tooth into sections so it can be safely removed. Sutures are often placed afterwards to help the area heal. You’ll be kept comfortable throughout the procedure, and your team will talk you through each step. This type of extraction can take a bit longer and typically involves a longer recovery period, including swelling and soreness.  You can choose to have intravenous conscious sedation to help you remain relaxed throughout this process.

After either type of extraction, it’s normal to have some mild discomfort as the area heals. Learn more here.

Wisdom teeth can cause pain or crowding if they don’t have enough space to grow. Our team provides safe and skilled removal, with options for local anaesthesia, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia, and clear guidance before, during, and after the procedure.