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.
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.
Generally, a root canal 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 your endodontist 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.
We know that “oral surgery” can sound intimidating. That’s why we’ve built our Danbury practice around patient comfort and precision technology.
Don’t let a recurring infection put your oral health at risk. If you’re in the Danbury, CT area and are experiencing tooth pain, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to save your smile.
Most patients find the recovery is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling or a traditional root canal. We use local anesthesia during the procedure, and any post-surgical soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Typically, an apicoectomy takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure.
Why not just get a new root canal? In many cases, a “retreatment” (a second root canal) is the first option. However, if the tooth has a crown or a permanent post, a retreatment could risk fracturing the tooth. An apicoectomy allows us to treat the infection without disturbing your existing dental work.
Apicoectomies have a very high success rate. It is considered a permanent solution for saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled.
Most patients return to work or their normal routine the very next day. You may experience some minor swelling or bruising for a few days, but this is a normal part of the healing process.
Most dental insurance plans do cover endodontic surgery, as it is a necessary procedure to treat infection and save a tooth. Our Danbury office team is happy to help you navigate your benefits and provide an estimate before we begin.
