Endodontic Surgery

Generally, root canal treatment is all that is needed to repair your tooth. Occasionally, the root canal procedure will not be sufficient to completely eliminate the disease. If the tooth is not healing, we may suggest surgical treatment. Endodontic surgery can be used to remove persistent infections, locate fractures, or treat hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest in pain with the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save persistent infections is an apicoectomy or root-end surgery.

Endodontic surgery known as apicoectomy starts with an incision in the gum tissue to expose the damaged tooth and bone. Any infected tissue is removed, and the surrounding areas are cleaned. The very tip of the root is also removed as it is where most bacteria is concentrated. A root-end filling is then placed within the root to prevent re-infection. After this, the gum tissues are sutured back in place. The bone will heal naturally over the next few months.  We will closely monitor your healing during this time.

Following this procedure, you may expect some discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising of the surrounding area. This is normal after any surgical treatment. We will guide you through the postoperative healing with specific instructions and medications as needed. We are only a phone call away if you have any questions after your surgery.