What is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection, is a dental procedure designed to remove inflamed gum tissue and the end of the root from a tooth. Here’s what you should know about an apicoectomy.
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening the gum tissue near the diseased tooth. We then remove any infected tissue and the end of your tooth’s root. This procedure is different from a root canal. A root canal removes inflammation and infection from the inner pulp tissue of a tooth, while an apicoectomy only addresses issues related to tissue at the tooth’s root or the very tip of the root.
We may complete an apicoectomy for the following reasons:
An unsuccessful root canal: A failed root canal usually occurs because there’s infection or inflammation near the tip of the root. An apicoectomy removes this tissue.
The root of your tooth has a hole: Tooth decay can cause cavities on the root of your tooth. An apicoectomy addresses the damage caused by decay to the end of your tooth root’s tissues.
There are calcium deposits in your tooth: You can’t remove calcium deposits by brushing. When left untreated, calcium deposits may lead to tooth decay and eventually impact the root of your tooth, requiring an apicoectomy to remove the damage.
Your tooth is damaged: An injury to your mouth can expose or damage the end of your tooth’s root. An apicoectomy removes this damage to increase your chances of saving your tooth.
What can you expect from an Apicoectomy?
Local anesthetics will be used to make you comfortable before opening the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue.
After the procedure, you may have a little discomfort and swelling as the incision heals. Swelling and pain typically go away within a day or two and can be alleviated with ibuprofen. We may prescribe antibiotics to fight off or prevent an infection. Most patients have minimal downtime after an apicoectomy and can resume their normal activities the day after their procedure. We usually remove your stitches within a week of your apicoectomy.
What are the benefits of an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy can improve oral and dental health and has multiple benefits.
An Apicoectomy can save your tooth
We often suggest an apicoectomy as an alternative to removing a tooth. Keeping your own tooth is better for your dental health, and an apicoectomy can help you accomplish this goal.
The Apicoectomy procedure can stop the spread of bacteria
If you don’t remove infected or inflamed tissue, this can cause bacteria to spread to your healthy teeth, potentially putting them at risk.
An Apicoectomy has a high success rate
Most apicoectomy procedures are effective at treating the inflammation or infection that’s continuing to reside in your tooth.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to see if an apicoectomy is right for you.
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