Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
To save teeth with an injured pulp from extraction, a root canal is genrally all that is needed . Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth are located using the endodontic surgery. With this procedure as well the damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated.
The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
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What is an Apicoectomy?
In order to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue an incision is made in the gum tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. To prevent reinfection of the root a root-end filling is placed and the gum is sutured. Full function is restored over a few months period when the bone naturally heals around the root.
Following the procedure, some discomfort or slight swelling may occur while the incision heals. For any surgical procedure this is a normal situation. To ease any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended by your doctor.
If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call us at (623)444-4521.