An apicoectomy is a type of endodontic surgery that focuses on the end of the tooth root, called the apex. This part of the root is embedded deep in your jawbone, and if it becomes infected, special techniques are required to eradicate the infection and prevent further complications.
As skilled endodontists, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC offers apicoectomies using the most advanced techniques to preserve your healthy smile. If our team recommends apicoectomy to save your tooth, here’s what you can expect.
Most people know what a root canal is and what it does — it removes deep decay in the center of the tooth to prevent tooth loss and other complications. An apicoectomy is another type of endodontic procedure that also plays an essential role in maintaining oral health, but it’s not nearly as well known.
An apicoectomy treats decay, infection, and tissue damage at the root tip, typically following a failed root canal that doesn’t remove all the bacteria inside the canal. Failed root canals are uncommon, but they do happen, particularly in people with complex tooth root anatomy, where accessing and eradicating bacteria can be especially challenging.
While some failed root canals can be corrected with a second root canal, tip-related damage is typically better treated with a procedure designed specifically for deep root-related damage. It’s also used to treat and repair some types of root fractures and to address bone loss that sometimes occurs around the root of a tooth, particularly after advanced gum disease.
Before your apicoectomy, our team examines your tooth and uses diagnostic imaging to evaluate the area thoroughly and map out your treatment. We’ll also let you know if you need to temporarily stop taking medications, like aspirin therapy, prior to your treatment to reduce bleeding or other issues.
The apicoectomy is performed using a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you have dental anxiety, we can provide a sedative to help you relax.
Once the gum and tooth are numb, your provider makes a tiny incision in your gum tissue to access the root tip. Next, we remove any damaged tissue surrounding the root, and often the root tip itself. The end of your tooth root is filled with a special material to seal the root and prevent future infection, then we close the incision with sutures that dissolve over time.
After your treatment, you can expect some discomfort and mild swelling once the numbing agent wears off. There’s no downtime following an apicoectomy, but you’ll need to follow instructions for cleaning around the stitches, and you’ll also need to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods for a few days as well.
Depending on the extent of your infection, we may prescribe antibiotics to destroy any remaining germs and prevent subsequent infection. You’ll also need to come back for a checkup visit a couple of weeks after your apicoectomy.
Tooth pain is never normal, and if you ignore it, you can wind up with a far more serious problem. To learn more about an apicoectomy, root canal, or the cause of your tooth pain or swelling, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
