Microsurgical Endodontics
(Apicoectomy)
Some patients who have already had a root canal treatment may experience problems with the same tooth. Rarely, you may be required to get a different dental procedure known as an apicoectomy. This usually occurs when the tooth remains infected following the endodontic treatment. Also known as microsurgical endodontics, the procedure involves apex or root tip removal along with the infected tissue. At Elite Endodontics, Dr. Danni Sayman has the experience, qualifications, and microsurgical equipment required to perform the procedure.
What is Apicoectomy?
Traditional root canal therapy is the preferred course of treatment for endodontic problems. However, there are situations where this treatment may not help save the tooth. Whenever that happens, our endodontist can consider an apicoectomy. Also known as endodontic microsurgery, apicoectomy is conducted on the root apices of your affected tooth. It will further involve placing a filling to seal the root.
Latest technological advances have made this microsurgery highly effective. At Elite Endodontics, our endodontist uses the latest equipment and techniques to save our patients’ teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
Is Apicoectomy for You?
In order to determine if your dental problem requires endodontic microsurgery, Dr. Sayman will examine your affected tooth and gums. We will also conduct 3D cone beam computerized tomography for review. We will discuss your dental health history and symptoms, diagnosis, and explain the procedure. Typically, an apicoectomy is the right treatment choice when traditional root canal therapy is not feasible. Other conditions include persistence of infection and inflammation after root canal treatment.
What to Expect During Endodontic Microsurgery?
The procedure begins with numbing the area to eliminate any discomfort. We may consider sedation if you have dental anxiety or need to feel relaxed during the procedure. The main steps in the procedure include:
- Opening the gingival tissue close to the tooth to access the underlying bone
- Removing the end of the tooth root tip and all the infected tissue
- The root canal’s end is sealed with a special filling
- Bone graft is applied inside the bone crypt
- Sutures or stitches are made in the gingiva to ensure proper tissue healing
Need for Endodontic Microsurgery
You may need apicoectomy if you experience the following dental problems:
- You have tooth pain and/or swelling that persists after root canal treatments(does not apply to a recent root canal)
- A tooth has been reinfected a long time after a root canal
- Root canal is blocked or calcified that renders the root canal unfeasible
- Infection and inflammation continue after a root canal
Post-Operative Recovery
After your apicoectomy, you should usually be able to return to your normal routine or work the very next day. However, the healing process can take up to 4 weeks to complete. The jaw bone can take many months to grow back around the treated tooth. As with any other surgery, you can expect some swelling and a little discomfort. We may prescribe medication to help manage them.
The sutures will be removed 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Follow-up will be done after one month, and a new radiograph will be taken after one year to confirm bone healing. At Elite Endodontics, Dr. Sayman is a perfectionist. His commitment to clinical excellence and reliance on the latest and most advanced technology and techniques ensure reliable results from your microsurgical endodontics procedure.