Endodontic Surgery
WHY WOULD I NEED ENDODONTIC SURGERY?
In most cases endodontic treatment is sufficient to save a tooth. On occasion this 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 are not visible on x-rays but still cause pain with 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 an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy?
An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A filling is placed at the end of the root to prevent it from being infected. In the coming months, the bone around the tooth will heal fully.
Once surgery is completed it is normal to feel some discomfort or slight swelling while you are healing. To alleviate any discomfort, appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you are experiencing pain that is not affected by medication please call our office.