Apicoectomy

Why would I need endodontic surgery?

root canal[/PAGE_LINK] is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and the doctors of San Francisco Dental Group will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in 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?

The video above illustrates this simple procedure. 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 root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

apicoectomy is the surgical removal of infected tissue in the bone near root tips of teeth
1. Infected Tissue
an incision is made and infected tissue can be removed
2. Tissue Removed
filling material is placed where bone was removed and held with sutures
3. Suture Placed
bone can heal after an apicoectomy procedure
4. Healing Complete

What should I expect after an apicoectomy?

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.

Call San Francisco Dental Group at 888-270-0610 with questions and to schedule an appointment.