Apicoectomy

Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp. 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 called an apicoectomy, which means removing the tip of the root.

What is an Apicoectomy?

The above diagram 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 a small amount 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 will be some discomfort or 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. We routinely see our surgery patients for a post-surgical check one week after surgery, and then again in 12 months for a recall examination. These visits are to ensure you are healing properly.