Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a dental procedure that saves a tooth at risk of extraction by removing the root tip to address lingering infection or inflammation after a root canal. When traditional root canal therapy isn’t enough, this procedure ensures the tooth’s health and function. Our experienced providers in Manahawkin, NJ, perform apicoectomies with precision, ensuring top-quality care. If you’ve been advised to consider an apicoectomy or are experiencing discomfort after a root canal, we’re here to guide you through the process.
What Is An Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure aimed at treating a persistent infection or inflammation at the root of a tooth. Specifically, this procedure is used to remove the root tip, or apex, of the tooth, along with the surrounding infected tissue. The root canal system inside a tooth is intricate and complex, and in some cases, even after root canal therapy, an infection can persist or recur. When this happens, an apicoectomy is often the best option to save the tooth from extraction. The procedure’s goal is to eliminate the infection and create a stable foundation for the tooth to remain healthy and functional within your mouth.
In more technical terms, an apicoectomy involves making a small incision in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to expose the underlying bone. Once the bone is accessed, the dentist carefully removes the root tip along with any infected tissue. The end of the root canal is then cleaned and sealed, and the surrounding bone is allowed to heal naturally over time. This procedure is a last resort when conventional root canal treatment alone is not sufficient to eliminate the problem.
When Is An Apicoectomy Necessary?
While root canal therapy is highly effective in most cases, there are situations where it may not fully resolve the issue. Here are some scenarios where an apicoectomy might be necessary:
- Persistent infection: If the infection continues to persist at the root of the tooth even after a root canal has been performed, an apicoectomy can be the next step to remove the infected area and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Cysts or abnormal tissue: Sometimes, a cyst or other abnormal tissue may form at the root of the tooth. These growths can be difficult to treat with traditional methods and may require surgical removal.
- Incomplete healing: In some cases, the root canal treatment may not fully heal, leading to ongoing discomfort or infection. An apicoectomy can help address these issues by targeting the root tip directly.
- Alternative to extraction: If other treatments have failed, an apicoectomy may be the only option to save the tooth from being extracted. This procedure is often preferable to extraction because it preserves the natural tooth structure.
Choosing an apicoectomy over extraction can be beneficial in the long term, as it helps maintain the integrity of your bite and prevents the complications that can arise from missing teeth, such as the shifting of adjacent teeth and changes in facial structure.
What Happens During An Apicoectomy?
Understanding what happens during an apicoectomy can help alleviate any anxiety you may have about the procedure. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:
- Preparation: The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you will be comfortable and free from discomfort during the surgery.
- Incision: Once the area is numb, a small incision is made in the gum tissue near the tooth. This incision allows the dentist to gently lift the gum and access the underlying bone and root tip.
- Root tip removal: With the bone and root tip exposed, the dentist carefully removes the infected root tip along with any surrounding inflamed or infected tissue. This step is crucial in eliminating the source of the infection.
- Sealing the root: After the infected tissue is removed, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed. This helps to prevent any future infections from occurring in the treated area.
- Sutures: Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned and stitched back in place using sutures. These stitches help the gum to heal properly and securely over the bone.
What To Expect After The Procedure
Recovery from an apicoectomy is generally smooth, but it’s important to know what to expect to ensure a successful healing process. Here’s what you should be aware of:
- Mild discomfort: It is common to experience some discomfort and swelling in the area after the procedure. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or medications prescribed by your doctor. Ice packs applied to the outside of your face can also help reduce swelling.
- Healing time: Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your doctor. The bone around the root tip will take several months to fully heal, but you should start to feel better much sooner.
- Follow-up care: Our team will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure that the area is healing correctly. Regular check-ups are important to monitor the success of the procedure and to maintain the health of your tooth.
Following your provider’s aftercare instructions and attending your follow-up appointments will help ensure the best possible outcome from your apicoectomy.
Restoring Your Oral Health With Precision & Care
Choosing an apicoectomy is a crucial step in preserving your natural teeth and maintaining oral health. Our experienced dental care providers in Manahawkin, NJ, deliver precise, compassionate care, ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether you’re facing a persistent infection or other dental issues, we’re here to guide you confidently through your treatment options. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can support your dental health journey.
Our Services
Apicoectomy
Post Removal
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Retreatment
Bone Grafting
Sinus Lift
Oral Pathology
Exposures Of Impacted Teeth
Single & Multi-Tooth Extractions
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
