Apicoectomy Procedure
If our dentist tells you that you need an apicoectomy, that simply means your tooth cannot be treated successfully with retreating an existing root canal. An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing the tip of the root and sealing it with a biocompatible material. This is usually necessitated when a conventional root canal therapy had failed and a re-treatment was already unsuccessful or is not advised. We have a team of endodontists with over 40 years of experience and have completed countless successful apicoectomy procedures. At The Dental Specialty Center, you’re in great hands.
About Apicoectomy
What Happens During an Apicoectomy
This surgical procedure can only be performed after you have undergone at least one root canal treatment and retreatment has failed or is impossible. A common situation where retreatment may not work is when the affected tooth has a large post and the tooth may be prone to fracture. Retreatment may also not be recommended if the tooth is part of a dental bridge.
While many people confuse them, an apicoectomy is entirely different from a root resection. A root resection involves the removal of an entire tooth root. In an apicoectomy, only the tip of the root is removed.
Before the procedure, our endodontist will need to examine the tooth to see if an apicoectomy procedure is the best solution for your problem or if another procedure will deliver better results. If an apicoectomy treatment is decided upon, you’ll be given an appointment for the procedure.
During the procedure, you’ll first receive local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. Then, our endodontist will create an incision in the gum near the affected tooth to expose and remove any infected or inflamed tissue. The endodontist will also get rid of the tip of the tooth’s root.
Afterward, Bioceramic filling material is used to seal the end of the root. Lastly, your endodontist will stitch the gum tissue to close the incision. It will take a couple of months for the bone around the end of the root canal to heal completely.
All of our work is done precisely under a surgical microscope.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
Apicoectomy is a simple dental procedure which should be carried out by trained dentists. Our Apicoectomy experts at The Dental Specialty Center, the procedure is carried out using the latest dental technology and is supervised by sedation experts to help patients better manage the pain.
For an apicoectomy, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The endodontist then removes the damaged tissue along with the end of the root tip. The dentist then places a root-end filling in the area to prevent re-infection of the root and thereafter the gum is sutured.
The bone, following this procedure naturally heals around the root over a period of months and restores full functionality.
Our endodontists are able to offer comprehensive information and help with the procedure. We will ensure that all possible treatment options have been elaborated on and presented to patients before they are recommended to undergo the apicoectomy procedure.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After an apicoectomy, you’ll generally experience some swelling and soreness around the treated area. You will be provided with prescriptions from our Endodontist and written post-operative instructions to expedite the healing process.
It’s important to avoid consuming crunchy and hard foods. Also, be gentle with your brushing for the first few days after the surgery.
You will return in approximately one week from the date of surgery for our Endodontist to check the healing and remove all remaining sutures.
An apicoectomy is a safe and effective procedure. Like any other surgical procedure, though, it comes with some risks. That’s why our dentist won’t recommend the procedure unless there is no question that further root canal therapy won’t deliver the desired results.
It is essential to follow all of the postoperative instructions given by our dentist. If you experience any unusual issues or persistent pain that doesn’t respond to meditation, don’t hesitate to call us.
At The Dental Specialty Center, we are committed to helping you enjoy the functions of your natural teeth for as long as possible. Fill out our online form to begin treatment.
MOST POPULAR TREATMENTS
Our Services