Apicoectomy – An overview of endodontic surgery.

Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal treatment is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulps from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to completely heal the tooth and your endodontist may 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 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.

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 and/or swelling, appropriate medications will be recommended. If you have symptoms that do not respond to medication, please call our office.