What are the symptoms that indicate a need for endodontic surgery or apicoectomy?
- Persistent, dull pain that worsens with pressure
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Discharge or pus from the affected area
- X-ray indication
What Is Surgical Endodontics?
Surgical endodontics or apicoectomy removes inflamed gum tissue and the apex or tip of the tooth's root. You may need an apicoectomy if you still have pain after a root canal.
If your endodontist informs you that you need an apicoectomy after a root canal, an infection persists in the apex. The infection may have spread to the neighboring bone and gum tissue.
Benefits of Surgical Endodontics
Procedures Offered
Apicoectomy or Endodontic Surgery
Apicoectomy is a minor procedure that involves minimal discomfort. The first step is injecting local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Next, the endodontist makes a small incision in the gum tissue over your affected tooth. The endodontist removes infected or inflamed tissue surrounding the root.
They section the root tip, remove the infected area, and refill the end with a sterile filling. Finally, the endodontist puts in a few sutures to secure the tissue and help heal.
Why Choose Modern Micro Endodontics
Our five New Jersey locations provide convenient treatment near home, work, and school. If you are in pain, we can see you promptly and fix your problem.
Each location has an excellent clinical team that will expertly relieve your pain and solve your endodontic issues. Our compassionate doctors have advanced skills and experience to ensure top-notch care.
Our award-winning practitioners put your health, safety, and comfort above all else. They work to relieve your pain, improve your oral health, and preserve your tooth for a lifetime of functional use.
Each location has an excellent clinical team that will expertly relieve your pain and solve your endodontic issues. Our compassionate doctors have advanced skills and experience to ensure top-notch care.
Our award-winning practitioners put your health, safety, and comfort above all else. They work to relieve your pain, improve your oral health, and preserve your tooth for a lifetime of functional use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Endodontics
How long does an apicoectomy take?
An apicoectomy takes between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on how accessible the area is and how large the root system is. It can also take longer if you have an extensive infection.
Is an apicoectomy painful?
Apicoectomies are minor procedures that do not cause discomfort. You will receive local anesthesia to keep you from feeling any pain during the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from endodontic surgery?
Typically, you will feel much better in a few days. Your surgery site may be tender. We will prescribe appropriate pain medication if needed.
Do I need a crown after endodontic surgery?
You may not need a new crown after apicoectomy. The area affected by an apicoectomy is generally outside the area covered by a crown.
What are the alternatives to an apicoectomy?
When your tooth has a deep-seated infection in the apex, your tooth may be too unhealthy for anything but an apicoectomy or an extraction. Endodontists prefer apicoectomies because they can save the natural tooth and root system.
Can I get a second apicoectomy if the first one fails?
Apicoectomy can occur and in certain situations, an endodontist can repeat the procedure if necessary.
What are the dos and don'ts after endodontic surgery?
Avoid hot drinks for 24 hours. Eat a soft diet (mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, ice cream, etc.) until your sutures come out. Avoid spicy, crunchy, hard, or chewy foods until your endodontist removes your sutures. Also, avoid sipping thru any straws until given the ok to do so.
What could happen if I don't get an apicoectomy?
If you do not receive an apicoectomy when your endodontist recommends it, your infection may spread to the bone and neighboring teeth. Tooth loss may result. Pain and infection could spread and endanger your overall health.
Contact Modern Micro Endodontics
If you have persistent pain after a root canal or your general dentist informed you that you need surgery based on imaging results, Please contact us at one of our five New Jersey offices for a prompt appointment. The sooner you have your endodontic surgery, the less likely it is that you will suffer lingering health effects. You can return to eating your favorite foods after a short recovery period.