Endodontic therapy is aimed at cleaning the root canal system and creating barriers to prevent re-infection of roots and peripical tissues. The presence of persistent bacteria or reinfection of a previously mechanically treated and disinfected root system causes the development of apical periodontitis and the need to implement surgical aids. Against the background of an increase in the number of patients of older age groups, characterized by obliteration of the root canal system, the relevance of surgical aids for apical periodontitis increases. At the same time, based on their own life experience, patients of older age groups may perceive the refusal to perform orthodontic therapy and the offer of surgical benefits as age-related egoism. Purpose of work: to study the severity of periapical changes and indications for surgical intervention among patients of older age groups. Materials and methods. The endodontic and periapical status of 300 patients was assessed in the 1st subgroup aged 60 to 70 years and the 2nd subgroup aged over 71 years. The results of the study. The greatest number of ageist conclusions in assessing the feasibility of providing surgical benefits was revealed in women with higher education.