Care and Procedures

In simple terms, an apicectomy is a "root-end" surgery performed to save a tooth when a previous root canal treatment has not been successful. Rather than accessing the tooth through the crown, the surgeon reaches the root tip through the gum to remove the source of infection and seal the root end.

For many patients, the main alternative is to have the tooth removed, with replacement by a dental implant or other restorative option if appropriate.

An apicectomy offers the opportunity to preserve your natural tooth. While no treatment can guarantee success, this procedure has a good success rate in appropriately selected cases and, if successful, may allow you to keep your natural tooth healthy and functional for many years.

Think of it as giving your tooth one last chance. Rather than removing the tooth, an apicectomy treats the infection at the very end of the root, helping to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

Grafting is the process of replacing or augmenting missing bone tissue in the jaw to support dental implants or to repair fractures. It involves placing graft material that acts as a "scaffold," encouraging your body's natural bone cells to grow and eventually replace the graft with new, living bone.  

This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with a tooth extraction or placement of a dental implant, depending on the severity of the bone loss and the replacement scaffolding required.    

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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 patients who would like a more relaxed experience without having a general anaesthetic. The medication is given through a small cannula in your arm or hand, helping you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy throughout your procedure.

You will remain conscious and able to respond to simple instructions, but many patients remember very little of their treatment afterwards. Local anaesthetic is still used to ensure your procedure is comfortable.

Check out the NZSSD page for more detail.

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.

Sometimes a permanent tooth—most commonly an upper canine (also known as an eye tooth)—fails to erupt into the mouth and becomes impacted, meaning it is trapped beneath the gum and bone. In these cases, your oral surgeon works together with your orthodontist to help guide the tooth into its correct position.

There are two common techniques used:

Open Exposure ("The Window")

What is it?
The surgeon carefully removes a small amount of gum and bone to uncover the tooth.

How does it work?
A small opening is left in the gum, allowing the tooth to continue erupting naturally into the mouth. Once enough of the tooth is visible, your orthodontist can guide it into its final position if required.

Why is it chosen?
This technique is often suitable when the tooth is close to the surface and has a good chance of erupting naturally.

Closed Exposure ("The Gold Chain")

What is it?
The surgeon uncovers the impacted tooth and bonds a small orthodontic bracket with a fine gold-coloured chain to its surface. The gum is then repositioned over the tooth, leaving only the end of the chain visible.

How does it work?
Your orthodontist attaches the chain to your braces and applies gentle, controlled pressure over several months to guide the tooth into its correct position.

Why is it chosen?
This technique is commonly used when the tooth is deeper within the jaw or in a more difficult position. Because the gum is replaced over the tooth, many patients find the area more comfortable as it heals.

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.