Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy
Root canal treatments eliminate the infection from one’s tooth. However, sometimes the infection can reoccur in the branches of the tooth roots. If a tooth gets infected again after a root canal is performed, an apicoectomy surgery would be required. It involves removing the infected tissue near the tooth’s root, including the affected root tips. An apicoectomy is a long-term solution and can save the visible portion of your tooth. At Elite Dental LLC in West St. Paul, MN, we perform comfortable and safe apicoectomy treatments to restore the function of your affected tooth.
What Is An Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy surgery is done to remove the root tip, the surface, and the infected tissue. This ensures the total elimination of the infection and returns the tooth to a healthy state. The nerves and blood vessels penetrate the tooth through the tip of the root and then make their way to the pulp chamber through its canals. Thus, eliminating the root tip will make sure no diseased tissue remains in the tooth. A second root canal will have to be performed before the apicoectomy surgery.
When Would You Need an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is needed when a root canal treatment is not enough to protect your tooth from further infection. It will give you a chance to save your natural tooth. Teeth are complex structures, and the root canals are also equally complicated. Each tooth’s root canals have tiny nooks and crannies that make it difficult to clean them efficiently. If your root canals are particularly complex, an apicoectomy might be your perfect solution to prevent future infection. It can help address complex root canals, secondary infections, and unsuccessful retreatments.
The Apicoectomy Procedure
Apicoectomy surgery is performed under local anesthesia and usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, based on the location of the tooth and the difficulty of the root structure. Our dentist, Dr. Mimi Hoang, will make an incision on the gum and separate it from the tooth to access the tooth root during the procedure. The infected tissue and the root tip are then cleaned out.
After the root tip has been removed, the tooth canal is cleaned and sealed to protect the tooth from further infection. An X-ray of the tooth is captured before the tissue is sutured back into place. Over time, the bone will heal around the root tip.
Most people experience negligible discomfort during an apicoectomy. This process is less invasive than the previous root canal procedure and includes a quick and less painful recovery. Pain medications and antibiotics will assist in rapid healing.
For information on our dental services at Elite Dental in West St. Paul, MN, call (952) 432-1716 or book an appointment online. You can also visit us at 1525 Livingston Ave, Suite B, West St. Paul, MN 55118.