Apicoectomies: A Root Canal Treatment Alternative
An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive dental surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, allowing your endodontist to clean and seal the root canal. This procedure is recommended when a traditional root canal procedure has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root. The recovery process of an apicoectomy is often compared to other dental procedures like root canal treatments.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please contact our Northridge dentist, Dr. Gropp, by calling our office at 818-709-8645.
What Is a Root End Resection?
An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery performed to treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment but failed to heal. It’s also known as a root-end resection or root-end surgery.
During a conventional root canal treatment, our San Fernando Valley dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s canal, cleans it, and fills it with a material to prevent further infection. Sometimes the tooth doesn’t heal properly, and infection persists. In such cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infection, treat damaged root surfaces, and save the tooth.
The complexity of the root structure can affect the length of the procedure.
Benefits of Removing Infected Tissue with Apicoectomy
There are several benefits to having an apicoectomy performed, including:
- Saving the Natural Tooth: An apicoectomy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your overall oral health.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, an apicoectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision in the gum tissue.
- High Success Rate: With proper care and maintenance, an apicoectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent.
- Short Recovery Time: The recovery process for an apicoectomy is usually quick and easy, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
- Treats Surrounding Bone: An apicoectomy can effectively treat the surrounding bone and prevent further infection.
Candidacy for Apicoectomy
Your endodontist will evaluate your case and determine if an apicoectomy procedure is best for you. It’s crucial to seek a licensed dentist or endodontist for performing surgical procedures like an apicoectomy. Here are some factors that may make you a good candidate for an apicoectomy:
- Failed Root Canal Treatment: If you’ve already undergone a root canal treatment, but the tooth has failed to heal, an apicoectomy may be necessary to save the tooth.
- Infection or Abscess: If there’s an infection or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root, an apicoectomy can remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage.
- Narrow or Curved Canals: If the canals in your tooth are narrow or curved, it may be difficult for your endodontist to clean them properly during a traditional root canal treatment. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary to remove any remaining infected tissue.
- Proximity to Important Structures: If the affected tooth is near nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy may be the best option to avoid damaging these structures during the procedure.
The Endodontic Surgery Process
An apicoectomy is usually performed using a local anesthetic which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Dental sedation can also help the patient relax during the procedure.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the case’s complexity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Your endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the tooth to access the root tip.
- They’ll then use specialized instruments to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean the root tip.
- Once the root tip is cleaned, your endodontist will fill it with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
- The gum tissue will be sutured back in place to promote healing.
There may be discomfort or swelling while the incision heals. It’s normal to experience slight swelling during the healing process.
After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions for post-operative care. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy?
The recovery process typically takes a few days to a week. This timeline depends on the individual’s health and the complexity of the surgical procedure.
Are apicoectomies painful?
No, apicoectomies aren’t painful. Most patients experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication.
Does insurance cover apicoectomies?
Most dental insurance plans cover apicoectomy as a necessary procedure to treat a failed root canal treatment. Contact your insurance provider to learn if your plan covers apicoectomies.
Do I need both a root canal treatment and an apicoectomy?
Not necessarily. An apicoectomy is usually recommended as a last resort when other treatment options, including root canal treatment, have failed to heal the tooth properly. Your endodontist will determine if an apicoectomy is necessary in your particular case.
Discover if an Apicoectomy is Ideal For Your Needs
An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that can treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment but has failed to heal properly. It’s usually recommended as a last resort when other treatment options have failed.
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been told that you need an apicoectomy, don’t hesitate to speak to your endodontist to learn more about the procedure and how it can help you regain your oral health. If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with our Northridge dentist, contact us today!
