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 treatment has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root.
Learn more with Dr. Dawson, one of the best dentists in Alaska.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure 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 root canal treatment, the 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 and prevent it from spreading further.
Benefits of Apicoectomy
There are several benefits to having an apicoectomy, including:
- Saves 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.
- Shorter 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.
Candidacy for Apicoectomy
Your endodontist will evaluate your case and determine if an apicoectomy is best for you. 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 Apicoectomy Process
An apicoectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Dental sedation can also help the patient relax during the procedure.
Apicoectomies usually take 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the case’s complexity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Your dentist 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovering from an apicoectomy usually takes a few days to a week. The recovery timeline depends on the individual’s health and the complexity of the procedure.
No, apicoectomies aren’t painful. Most patients will experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication.
Most dental insurance plans cover apicoectomy as it’s deemed a necessary procedure for treating a failed root canal treatment. Contact your insurance provider to learn if your plan covers apicoectomies.
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.
Restore Your Oral Health
An apicoectomy is 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.