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When the pain in the tooth does not go away after a root canal or an infection persists, an apicoectomy specialist can assess the problem. An apicoectomy is a minor surgical dental procedure that removes infection from the tip of a tooth's root. The term comes from "apex," meaning the root tip, and "ectomy," meaning removal. This treatment focuses on eliminating persistent infection while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Inside every tooth are root canals that extend into the jawbone. Even after proper root canal treatment, sometimes infection can persist at the very tip of the root. An apicoectomy targets this very issue by simply surgically removing the infected root tip and surrounding tissue.
An apicoectomy is performed when conventional root canal treatment or retreatment cannot fully resolve an infection. This may occur because of complex anatomy, minute fractures, calcified canals, or scar tissue preventing healing. In place of removing the whole tooth, the procedure allows the dentist to treat the infection right at its source.
An apicoectomy prevents the spread of infection to surrounding bone and tissues by just removing the affected root tip. Hence, it is generally recommended as a tooth-saving option before considering extraction. Preserving the natural tooth maintains proper bite alignment and normal chewing function.
Apicoectomy is a procedure that allows dentists to perform an apicoectomy to treat infections when conventional root canal therapy and/or retreatment have not resolved infections effectively. In addition, complex root systems, small cracks, calcified canals and scar tissue can hinder proper healing and be the reason for an infection not responding appropriately. Apicoectomy allows the dentist to treat the source of the problem rather than extracting the entire tooth.
An apicoectomy is intended to help prevent infection from spreading to surrounding tissues and bone by removing only the infected portion of the root. Therefore, it is typically considered to be a more conservative treatment option than extraction. The benefits of preserving the natural tooth are improved bite alignment and chewing efficiency.
Once the root tip has been removed, the area is cleaned. The end of the root is sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. The gum tissue is put back in place and sutured to enable proper healing.
The process usually lasts from 30 to 90 minutes, based on the tooth and the complexity of the case. Possibly, follow-up appointments will be needed for checking healing and removing stitches. Eventually, the bone surrounding the root will heal by itself.
Apicoectomy is a sure solution to cure persistent infection and save the natural tooth. Continued discomfort and swelling following root canal treatment call for an immediate consultation with an experienced Apicoectomy Specialist to guide you on the way forward. If you have a tooth that is not healing properly, schedule an appointment today to learn if an apicoectomy is your answer to restoring your oral health.