Reviewed by Dr. Gary Morris, DDS

Reading time: five minutes.

Saving your natural tooth is always the goal in dentistry, but sometimes traditional root canal treatments don’t get the job done. If you’ve undergone root canal therapy and are still experiencing issues, you might not need to lose that tooth just yet.

Enter the apicoectomy, a dental procedure that could be your tooth-saving solution when root canal treatments alone fall short.

In this blog, we’ll explore what apicoectomy is, how it works, and its benefits.

Key Takeaway

An apicoectomy is a simple way to save your natural tooth when a root canal doesn’t work. It removes infected tissue at the tip of the root, clearing up infections and letting your tooth heal properly. If you’re still having problems after a root canal, talk to your dentist to see if this procedure can help save your tooth.

Understanding Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is a minor surgical procedure designed to remove infected tissue at the tip of your tooth’s root. This surgery targets the root end, where infections can hide, even after a root canal treatment. Apicoectomy procedures allow you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding a dental extraction.

This treatment option is usually recommended when traditional root canal treatments fail due to complicated anatomy, persistent infection, or fractured roots.

This type of dental surgery is often performed by an endodontist, a dentist that specializes in root canal procedures and surgeries—or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity. In some cases, a maxillofacial surgeon might be involved if the tooth’s root is deep within the bone or close to sensitive structures.

Steps of the Apicoectomy Procedure

Here’s a breakdown of what happens during an apicoectomy procedure.

1. Preparation

Before starting the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you remain comfortable. The dentist will then clean and prepare the surrounding area, maintaining a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Accessing the Root

After preparing the area, they will make a small cut in the gum tissue to reach the tip of your tooth’s root, where the infection is located. In some cases, a small portion of bone tissue may need to be removed to fully expose the root. Any infected gum or bone tissue in the area will be carefully cleared away.

3. Removing the Infected Root Tip

With the root exposed, they will remove the tip of the tooth’s root (also known as the apex), along with any diseased tissue. This step is important for removing the infection and ensuring that no damaged or infected tissue remains in the area.

4. Filling the Root End

After the infected root tip is removed, the dentist will place a root-end filling. This special filling seals off the end of the root, preventing bacteria from re-entering and causing future infections. This filling acts as a permanent barrier, protecting your tooth from recurring issues.

5. Closing the Incision

Finally, the incision in your gum is stitched closed, and the healing process begins. The stitches used are usually dissolvable, meaning they’ll disappear on their own over time.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Your recovery time following an apicoectomy is generally quick, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s postoperative instructions for the best results. Here’s what you can expect:

First 24 Hours

  • Swelling and discomfort: It’s normal to experience slight swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
  • Rest: Keep physical activity to a minimum and avoid strenuous tasks.
  • Cold compress: Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.

First Week

  • Avoid crunchy foods that might irritate the surgical site.
  • Maintain oral hygiene: Brush gently around the treated area, and use a mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist.
  • Watch for signs of infection: Look for excessive swelling, pain, or any signs of infection, such as pus or fever. Contact your dentist if any of these occur.

Key Benefits of an Apicoectomy

Here are some key benefits of the procedure:

  • Saves your natural tooth: Keeping your natural tooth is always better for long-term dental health than opting for tooth extraction.
  • Eliminates infection: It thoroughly removes infected tissue, ensuring your tooth can heal properly.
  • Restores normal function: You’ll regain normal function in your tooth once the healing process is complete.

Risks and Potential Complications

Apicoectomy is generally a safe procedure, but there are potential risks:

  • Postoperative infection: Though rare, there is a risk of infection after surgery. Follow-up appointments help monitor healing.
  • Damage to nearby nerves: In rare cases, there’s a risk of damaging blood vessels or nerves.
  • Need for additional treatment: Sometimes, if the root structure is too damaged, further treatment may be needed.

Your dentist will discuss these risks and help you weigh the benefits against potential complications.

A Second Chance for Your Tooth

An apicoectomy is a great option when traditional root canals can’t clear up an infection. The surgical procedure can save your natural tooth, improve oral health, and prevent future infections. With a relatively short recovery period, you’ll be back to your daily activities in no time.

At Morris Dental Solutions, we offer apicoectomy as a tooth-saving solution. If you have persistent dental issues or suspect an infected root, schedule a consultation with our dentists to discuss the best treatment options for your situation.

If you are searching for the ‘best dentist in Buffalo, Grove, IL’ or a ‘dental exam near me’ we can help! Call (847) 215-1511 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.

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