Root canal surgery sounds scary, but it is a very common procedure that is very easy to complete. The idea of someone digging around into the root of your tooth does not sound appealing. Well, the apicoectomy is similar in nature and sounds just as scary. The good news is it really is not a scary procedure and with sedation, dentistry techniques patients remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
The apicoectomy is a more involved procedure than a traditional root canal. Also called a root end surgery, root-end filling, or retrograde root canal treatment. This is a surgical procedure, endodontic in nature which is more invasive than a traditional root canal.
What Does The Procedure Entail?
Though it might seem unsettling, it is necessary to restore the health of the tooth and save it. The tip of the tooth is removed. Once that is completed, a root end cavity or opening is created. It is then prepared by removing any and all decay before the cavity is then filled with biocompatible substance that takes the place of the removed material.
Why Is An Apicoectomy Necessary?
Usually, an apicoectomy is performed after a root canal has already been done on a particular tooth without success. This may happen in cases where the roots are simply odd shaped, and the normal instruments are unable to reach them.
Instead of drilling into the top of the tooth to remove the infected material in the heart of the tooth, the cap of the tooth is removed so they can enter the tooth from an unorthodox angle. This allows for us to penetrate the tooth deeper than a traditional root canal giving access to the infected tissue more easily.
This is usually considered a last resort in saving the tooth. If a traditional root canal could not repair the damage and the apicoectomy could not either, then the next step is to remove the tooth. If this occurs it is recommended to replace the tooth with an artificial one to maintain jawbone density.
Our dentists are here to help answer any questions regarding root canals. Call us to schedule your consultation.
