The removal of the very tip of the tooth’s root (root apex) is Amputation of root is called an apicoectomy. During this process, the endodontist (root canal specialist) opens the gum tissue around the root of the tooth to examine the underlying bone and remove inflamed or infected tooth tissue. A small amount of tooth filling materials may be applied to seal the end of the root canal, then the gingival tissue may be attached with a few stitches to heal properly. After a period of several months, the bone around the very tip of the tooth’s root heals.