An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed by an endodontist, who is a specialist in saving teeth. When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure, an apicoectomy may be performed. The method addresses issues at the very tip of the tooth’s root. Here is more information about this dental procedure:
Removes Tooth Root Tip
An apicoectomy is also called a root-end surgery. During the procedure, the endodontist typically makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and inflamed tissue, so the root tip can be accessed. After removing the root tip, a small filling is placed to seal the root canal, and the procedure is complete. This process involves several distinct actions:
- Exposing the tooth root
- Removing the root tip
- Sealing the root end
- Closing the gum tissue
Fixes Failed Root Canals
Root canal treatment is generally successful, but sometimes a tooth does not heal properly. In these instances, a lingering infection or inflammation may persist near the root tip, and an apicoectomy is another option to address the problem. The procedure targets the root’s apex where standard root canals may not fully resolve issues, making it more comprehensive.
This procedure cleans the end of the tooth’s canal. The endodontist meticulously removes any infected tissue from around the root’s tip while they have direct access to the site. Removing the persistent infected material gives the area a new opportunity to heal, and this can lead to better recovery.
Eliminates Source of Infection
An apicoectomy targets the precise location of the remaining infection. The endodontist removes the root tip, and they also clean out any infected tissue surrounding it. This thorough cleaning helps eliminate the source of ongoing discomfort and inflammation by directly removing the problematic tissue.
Removing the infected tissue is a key step in the process. Once the area is clean, the endodontist places a small, biocompatible filling in the end of the root to seal it off from future infection. This seal is meant to prevent reinfection within the root canal system, and it helps promote the continued health of the tooth.
The procedure is designed to manage an infection that persists after a nonsurgical root canal treatment. It allows the bone to heal around the end of the root, giving it a chance to recover. Your dental professional monitors proper healing during follow-up appointments.
Saves the Tooth
When a root canal fails and retreatment is not an option, the alternative is often tooth extraction. An apicoectomy is a procedure that attempts to save a natural tooth. Retaining the natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function, and it also prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. Preserving natural teeth can also improve overall oral health and reduce the need for more complex dental procedures in the future.
Schedule an Apicoectomy Today
An apicoectomy is a specialized procedure used to resolve ongoing issues following a root canal. It involves surgically accessing and treating the tip of the tooth root to manage underlying dental problems. Contact a dental office specializing in endodontic retreatment to schedule a consultation with a professional.
