Apicoectomy | An Overview of Endodontic Surgery
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery? Generally, a root canal therapy is all that is needed to save teeth. Occasionally, conventional root canal therapy will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on X-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy? The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. Local anesthesia is used to achieve total comfort. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function. Our doctors are trained to use the state of the art techniques to ensure that all procedures are comfortable. If you feel any discomfort, we will stop immediately and provide you with more anesthesia. It is our goal to provide you with the best care available with total comfort.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.