Luke K. Dalzell, DDS, PLLC 5710 Six Forks Road, Ste 101 Raleigh, NC 27609

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What to Know About an Apicoectomy

If an infection appears or persists following a root canal, may be required to perform an apicoectomy, commonly known as root end surgery. If this is advised for you, it indicates that traditional root canal therapy cannot preserve your tooth. A tooth extraction may harm healthy neighboring teeth and is frequently the only option after an apicoectomy.

What Is An Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a standard procedure where inflamed gum tissue is removed. A root-end excision may also be necessary to: 

  • The root canal’s calcium deposits need to be removed
  • Find and address issues that an X-ray cannot reveal.
  • Fix a fracture.
  • If there is no other way to treat a tooth, treat it with more roots.
  • Treat the bone loss that results in crooked teeth.
  • Remove a root with a hole in it.

Apicoectomies are also frequently utilized to treat kid tooth damage. This surgery can help salvage a tooth cracked or broken due to an impact. Before having an apicoectomy, you could have X-rays of your teeth and jaw taken. This enables your dentist to observe the roots’ condition, existing root canals, and surrounding bone and tissue. You will receive some cream and a needle in your mouth before the operation begins to numb the region. The dentist will lightly puncture the gums around the tooth. They’ll check the bone out and take out any contaminated tissue. If required, they will cut off the end of the root and fill the root canal’s tip to seal it. The gums will next be helped to recover by a few sutures. Your bone will eventually mend around the root. Minimal discomfort is felt following root-end surgery. There is no need for general anesthesia because it is a simple operation performed in your dentist’s office. The next day, you may drive yourself home and resume regular routines. Since your gums were sliced and stitched, it’s usual to have some mild bleeding following your operation. However, this should stop within one to two hours. To halt bleeding and slow blood flow, rest with your head up.

If your root is fused or the tooth is beyond repair, your dentist could decide against an apicoectomy. Your tooth may need to be extracted in certain circumstances. Apicoectomies can persist for an extended period, while no operation is 100 percent certain. According to a 2020 study, 75% of apicoectomies remained in good condition after 13 years and lasted an average of 5 years. According to another study, an apicoectomy on a child’s damaged tooth fully recovered after a year. Although root-end surgery is not always the best option, your dentist may try it to keep your tooth. Find out from your doctor if this surgery could be beneficial for you.

Apicoectomy Procedures With Raleigh Endodontics

If you want to make an appointment or have information regarding apicoectomy operations, call Raleigh Endodontics at (919) 866-1989. If an infection appears or persists following a root canal, may be required to perform an apicoectomy, commonly known as root end surgery. If this is advised for you, it indicates that traditional root canal therapy cannot preserve your tooth.

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