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Endodontics Layton D. David G. Johnson, D.D.S.

David G. Johnson, D.D.S.

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Time To Get An Apicoectomy: The Best Advice To Prepare For This Common Endodontic Procedure

Home | Apicoectomy

Get an apicoectomy

If you have gotten a root canal recently and are still experiencing irritation surrounding the tooth, it might be a sign that you need to get an apicoectomy. But you might not know much about this dental procedure and are experiencing some anxiety. If your endodontist has recommended you get an apicoectomy, you should learn all that you can about the procedure to make you feel more confident about the decision to follow through. 

Our team at David G. Johnson, DDS, has all of the answers to your questions about your impending apicoectomy that should help you feel less apprehensive about getting one done. 

What Is An Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor surgery performed by your endodontist as a final attempt to save your tooth when it is continually unresponsive to root canals. There are many reasons why your tooth may have been unreceptive, including a complex root structure that didn’t allow your endodontist to remove all of the infection or a fractured or cracked tooth.  

Get an apicoectomy

What Is The Difference Between A Root Canal And An Apicoectomy? 

The most significant difference between a root canal and an apicoectomy is the treated areas. A root canal will focus on the inside of your tooth, specifically removing any infected pulp. It is a non-invasive procedure that is often performed under local anesthesia. However, a root canal is a minor surgical procedure. After you get an apicoectomy, you may need to take a few days off to recover from the procedure and any accompanying pain. 

When Should You Get An Apicoectomy?

There are several reasons why you should get an apicoectomy, which you may begin to notice following an unsuccessful root canal procedure. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms following a root canal, you should consider seeing an endodontist.

  • Tooth pain that doesn’t alleviate following a root canal
  • Your tooth has become reinfected after a root canal
  • Calcium build-up makes a root canal difficult to perform
  • You have damage to the root of your tooth or the surrounding bone
  • Infection and inflammation that doesn’t go away after a root canal

Though you may experience one or more of these signs, your endodontist may not immediately opt for an apicoectomy. You may undergo a second root canal to remove any missed infection before taking more extensive steps. 

Get an apicoectomy

How Is An Apicoectomy Done? 

When you get an apicoectomy, your endodontist opens the gum tissue near the root of your tooth to see infected tissue and bone. They will remove any infected or inflamed tissue. In some instances, they will also remove the very end of your tooth’s root, putting a small filling in its place. They stitch the affected gum, allowing it to heal. Often, an apicoectomy takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth. 

Downtime following your apicoectomy is generally 24 to 48 hours, though you may want to take an extra day before returning to regular activity, About one week after your initial appointment, you should schedule a follow-up with your endodontist, where they will remove any remaining stitches. At the three-week mark following your initial appointment, the soft tissue, including your gums, should be fully healed, and in about six months, any affected bone tissue should be healed.

Are There Risks Or Complications? 

Like with any other procedure, there is a minor chance of complications following an apicoectomy. However, it is important to understand that the chance of complications after you get an apicoectomy is incredibly low if you go to a trustworthy endodontist. Some of the complications following your apicoectomy include the following:

  • Nerves may be damaged during the procedure
  • The procedure fails
  • The infection near your root evolves into your sinuses

If you have undergone an apicoectomy and an infection near the root of the tooth cannot be removed, your endodontist may recommend tooth extraction. An extraction should lower the risk of infection spread, and the tooth can be replaced by an implant. 

Get An Apicoectomy From An Endodontist You Can Trust

Get an apicoectomy

If you are experiencing complications following an unsuccessful root canal, it is important that you reach out to your dentist and see an endodontist as soon as possible. At David G. Johnson, DDS, we are confident that we can help you through this stressful time and let you get back to your day-to-day life sooner. 

If you are looking for a trustworthy endodontist and would like to schedule an appointment before you get an apicoectomy, reach out to our team today at our Layton or Centerville location.  

Filed Under: Apicoectomy

There are many different treatment options out there designed to preserve your natural teeth and to keep them in good condition. One such treatment is endodontic surgery. While many cases of tooth decay can be treated by your dentist, others require endodontic surgery in order to preserve your natural tooth. 

Endodontic surgery is typically used as a last resort in order to save a tooth that has not responded to other treatment methods. Your dentist and endodontist will generally try to use other treatments to save your natural tooth, such as root canal therapy and endodontic retreatment, prior to making the jump to endodontic surgery. 

What Is Endodontic Surgery?

endodontic surgery

Endodontic surgery is a type of surgery in your mouth. It can be used in many different ways, from diagnosing an issue that won’t show up on X-rays to treating damaged teeth. If you need endodontic surgery, it is because your endodontist needs to do this treatment in order to treat the issue and save your natural tooth. 

With modern medicine and the continued advancement of technology, there’s no need to worry about pain with this type of surgery. It is usually able to be performed very quickly and successfully, with anesthesia that numbs the area. Most people are able to resume their normal daily activities the day following the procedure and only experience mild levels of post-operative discomfort. 

Are There Alternatives To Endodontic Surgery?

If your endodontist has recommended that you get endodontic surgery, it is because your tooth isn’t responding to other treatment methods. The alternative to endodontic surgery is tooth extraction. While artificial tooth replacements have come a long way, nothing beats your natural tooth. That’s why endodontists will do everything in their power in order to save your natural tooth, including surgery, before they make that jump to tooth extraction. 

If needed, implants, dentures, and bridges can replace your damaged tooth. However, the most cost-effective way to preserve your oral health is to do your best to maintain your natural teeth and to keep them in good condition. If you need a tooth extraction, you need a tooth extraction, and thankfully there are artificial teeth options available to help restore your chewing function and to keep your other teeth from shifting. But in general, your endodontist will do everything in their power to preserve your natural teeth. 

Endodontic surgery may sound scary, but it could be just what you need in order to keep your natural tooth. 

What Is Endodontic Surgery Used For?

endodontic surgery

This type of surgery is used for a variety of purposes. Some common types of surgical procedures include:

  • Apicoectomy. This is also called a root end resection. This is the most common type of endodontic surgery. If you have a tooth that isn’t responding to root canal therapy or endodontic retreatment, an apicoectomy can save it. This removes infected tissue, as well as the tips of your roots. It is commonly performed if someone is still experiencing infection or inflammation after having a root canal.
  • Removal of calcium deposits. This type of surgery may be needed if you have calcium deposits that make it so that your endodontist can’t easily perform a root canal. It is needed so that the root canal can be done.
  • Diagnosis. Sometimes, you may be experiencing pain in your mouth, but nothing shows up on the X-rays. In cases like this, surgery may be needed in order to diagnose the issue. This can happen with problems such as fractures in your tooth or its root. Once diagnosed, you’ll be able to receive the treatment you need. 
  • Treatment of damaged root surfaces. If your roots are damaged, or the surrounding bone is damaged, then surgery may be necessary to treat the problem.

There are a few other types of less common endodontic surgeries. These include: dividing your tooth in half, removing a root, or intentional replantation, which is when your tooth is extracted, repaired, and then implanted back into its socket.

endodontic surgery

No matter the reason, this type of surgery is always used in order to save your natural tooth. With the use of anesthetics, it is typically a comfortable procedure. Some discomfort is expected after any surgery, endodontic included. Your endodontist will give you post-op instructions to follow that will help you recover and to alleviate any discomfort you experience.
David G. Johnson, DDS. provides endodontic surgeries. We’re here to save your natural teeth and to do whatever it takes to help you maintain good oral health. Contact us today to learn more.

Filed Under: Endodontist, Apicoectomy

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