An endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy for individuals who have had one or more failed root canal treatments. Read on to learn more about this endodontic procedure. It is often performed by endodontists on teeth that are on the verge of becoming lost if prompt treatment to remove the infected tooth root is not provided.
Undergoing an apicoectomy can seem intimidating for some patients, and understanding more about what this procedure actually is can help calm any nerves and allow them to feel more confident about the treatment. The following is an overview from an endodontist on what an apicoectomy is and when you should see an endodontist for such a treatment.
An apicoectomy is a minor endodontic surgery performed by dental specialists known as endodontists in which the tip of a tooth’s root is removed and replaced with a filling material. They are also sometimes referred to as a retrograde root canal, reverse root canal, or root-end filling because they remove the end of the root by accessing the root-end directly, whereas root canal treatment accesses the tooth’s root through the crown.
An apicoectomy involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area and minimize discomfort. The gums surrounding the tooth’s root are then opened and infected tissue and the root tip are removed and replaced with a substitute filling material. Sutures are then applied to aid in the healing process. The recovery process can take several days while the mouth heals. The endodontist may prescribe pain relievers and provide a list of aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of another infection.
An apicoectomy is typically only recommended for patients that have previously undergone a root canal procedure (or multiple procedures) unsuccessfully. While the success rate of a root canal procedure is high, there are times when infections may still develop after the infected dental pulp is removed. When this occurs and symptoms of a tooth infection emerge, then the issue may lie within the root of the tooth, in which case an apicoectomy can be performed to remove and replace it, avoiding future (and often inevitable) loss of the tooth.
As discussed, root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp in the root chamber, but it does not remove the end of the root. An apicoectomy removes the root end and replaces it. Root canal treatment is typically recommended before an apicoectomy becomes a treatment option for patients with a tooth infection or deep dental decay. They both are minor surgical procedures that have minimal risks when performed by an experienced endodontist.
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If you have symptoms of a tooth infection, severe decay, or a severely damaged tooth, then contact our dental practice today. We offer apicoectomy procedures as well as other treatments for issues with the root of the tooth.
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