Apicoectomy

Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to 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 with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.

What is an Apicoectomy?

The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. 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 reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

An illustration showing an infection at a root end
1. Infected Tissue
An illustration showing an infection at a root end being removed
2. Tissue Removed
An illustration showing a placed suture after removing an infection at a root end
3. Suture Placed
An illustration showing healed bone after removing an infection at a root end
4. Healing Complete

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.

 
 

Northlake Endodontics and Microsurgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 5 Apicoectomy reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent dental work. They try really hard to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

- Kathy M D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Considering what the procedure was, I am completely satisfied.

- Sandra M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Staff very informative all questions answered

- Susan T

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I HAVE ONLY THE BEST TO SAY ABOUT NORTHLAKE ENDODONTICS. THE PROCESS IS EASY, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL. I WOULD DEFINTELY RETURN FOR TREATMENT IF I SHOULD HAVE A NEED IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE !!

- NEAL S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Felt very safe and cared for lt

- Judith G

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