Apicoectomyin Centuria, WI

Apicoectomies: A Root Canal Treatment Alternative

An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive dental surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, allowing your endodontist to clean and seal the root canal. This procedure from River Birch Dental is recommended when a traditional root canal treatment has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please contact our Centuria, WI dentist, Dr. Georgie Vargas, by calling our office at (715) 646-2161. 

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery to treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment but failed to heal. It’s also known as a root-end resection or root-end surgery.

dentist evaluating patient's teethDuring a conventional root canal treatment, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s canal, cleans it, and fills it with a material to prevent further infection. Sometimes the tooth doesn’t heal properly, and infection persists. In such cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading further.

Benefits of Apicoectomy

There are several benefits to having an apicoectomy performed, including:

 

  • Saving the Natural Tooth: An apicoectomy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your overall oral health.
  • Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, an apicoectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision in the gum tissue.
  • High Success Rate: With proper care and maintenance, an apicoectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent.
  • Short Recovery Time: The recovery process for an apicoectomy is usually quick and easy, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

Candidacy for Apicoectomy

Your endodontist will evaluate your case and determine if an apicoectomy procedure is best for you. Here are some factors that may make you a good candidate for an apicoectomy:

  • Failed Root Canal Treatment: If you’ve already undergone a root canal treatment, but the tooth has failed to heal, an apicoectomy may be necessary to save the tooth.
  • Infection or Abscess: If there’s an infection or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root, an apicoectomy can remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage.
  • Narrow or Curved Canals: If the canals in your tooth are narrow or curved, it may be difficult for your endodontist to clean them properly during a traditional root canal treatment. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary to remove any remaining infected tissuedentist talking to man in dental chair
  • Proximity to Important Structures: If the affected tooth is near nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy may be the best option to avoid damaging these structures during the procedure.

The Apicoectomy Process

An apicoectomy is usually performed using a local anesthetic which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Dental sedation can also help the patient relax during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the case’s complexity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:senior patient observing smile in hand mirror

  1. Your endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the tooth to access the root tip.
  2. They’ll then use specialized instruments to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean the root tip.
  3. Once the root tip is cleaned, your endodontist will fill it with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
  4. The gum tissue will be sutured back in place to promote healing.

After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions for post-operative care. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover if an Apicoectomy is Ideal For Your Needs

An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that can treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment bu

t has failed to heal properly. It’s usually recommended as a last resort when other treatment options have failed. If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been told you need an apicoectomy, don’t hesitate to speak to your endodontist to learn more about the procedure and how it can help you regain your oral health. Contact our Centuria office at (715) 646-2161 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We proudly welcome patients from Balsam Lake, Amery, and Frederic, WI.

River Birch Dental

601 State Road 35
Centuria, Wisconsin 54824
P.O. Box 459

Office Hours

Monday
8am – 5pm
Tuesday
8am – 5pm
Wednesday
8am – 5pm
Thursday
8am – 5pm
Friday
7am – 2pm
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