Why Would I Need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and Dr. Li, Dr. Lim, Dr. Berrios, Dr. Gee, Dr. Oo, Dr. Sin or Dr. Hosn will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.

What is an apicoectomy?

The video above illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Dental illustration showing infected tooth with gutta-percha filling and surrounding bone and ligament anatomy.

1. Infected Tissue

Apicectomy procedure diagram showing infected tissue removal and missing root tip during endodontic surgery.

2. Tissue Removed

Root canal treatment diagram showing suture and root-end filling placement.

3. Suture Placed

Dental illustration showing apicoectomy procedure with healed bone and tooth root removal for endodontic treatment.

4. Healing Complete

What should I expect after an apicoectomy?

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.

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