If your tooth has been infected or damaged or decayed, more likely than not, you’ll need to see an endodontist for a root canal. In cases where root canals failed or simply weren’t enough to save your natural tooth, in the past, your only option likely would have been to have it pulled. Now, if a root canal isn’t enough, you can have an apicoectomy done. 

If you’re wondering about the differences between a root canal vs apicoectomy, here’s a guide to help you understand when you would need a root canal vs apicoectomy, what differentiates the procedures, and the signs that will help you identify when you may opt for a root canal vs apicoectomy.

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Differences

Both root canals and apicoectomies are dental procedures done to decayed teeth that strive to save your natural tooth. Endodontists will always do everything in their power to preserve your natural teeth, hence how now, if a root canal isn’t enough, you could have an apicoectomy done, rather than needing to jump right to extraction and having implants put in. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between what a root canal is and what an apicoectomy is. 

What A Root Canal Is

A root canal is done when the pulp of your tooth has been compromised due to decay, a fracture, a crack, infection, or other such damages, but there is enough of your tooth structure that is healthy and can be saved. If the rest of your tooth aside from the pulp is in good condition, the pulp can be removed and filled in with a dental filling. If necessary, a crown will be placed over your tooth in order to protect it and strengthen it. 

What An Apicoectomy Is

An apicoectomy is done when a root canal fails and another root canal isn’t an option. In some cases, if your root canal fails and the pulp of your teeth are infected again, another one can be done, but this would involve the removal of the crown, which can damage your gum line and the root of your tooth. If retreatment was not successful or not possible, your endodontist may recommend that you get an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes infection from the root of your tooth and then is sealed and your gums are sutured in order to prevent it from becoming infected again and to promote healing. 

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Warning Signs

Knowing whether you need a root canal vs apicoectomy can be very difficult on your own, which is why it’s vital to maintain your regular dental appointments. While you can sometimes tell that there are signs you need a root canal, in many cases, you may not even notice, but your dentist would be able to tell. With apicoectomies too, it’s important to see an endodontist. There are several options for if your root canal fails, and your endodontist will be able to determine whether or not an apicoectomy is the right one for you. 

Signs You Need A Root Canal

It’s commonly said that you can tell you need a root canal if your tooth hurts. Pain is certainly an indicator of a potential root canal, but it’s not the only one. Some of the signs that you need a root canal include:

• Swollen gums
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Discolored teeth
• Chipped/cracked teeth
• Pain when putting pressure on your tooth
• Throbbing pain when you lie down
• Abscess/infection

Signs You Need An Apicoectomy

Since apicoectomies are needed after root canals fail, you’ll notice some of the similar signs, in addition to:

• Calcium deposits
• Re-infection
• Damage to the root structure/surrounding bone
• Tooth pain that persists after a root canal
• Inflammation and infection that persist after a root canal
• Discoloration

Root Canal Vs Apicoectomy: The Procedures

Root canals and apicoectomies are two separate procedures with the same end goal: save your tooth. When people say root canal vs apicoectomy, you may take that to mean that the two procedures are competing for which one is better. This isn’t true. They’re both meant to preserve your natural teeth, and apicoectomies are only needed if a root canal isn’t enough. 

The root canal and apicoectomy procedures are similar, but not the same. Here’s what you can expect with a root canal vs apicoectomy procedure. 

The Process Of Getting A Root Canal

When you get a root canal, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth in order to remove the infected pulp. They’ll then disinfect it and fill it, as well as fill in the access hole. If necessary, your dentist will place a crown over your tooth to keep it strong and protected. 

The Process Of Getting An Apicoectomy

Root canals take place over the gum that we chew with, but an apicoectomy takes place at the apex of the root, the tip of it. From there, infected pulp is removed and then the end of your root is sealed. Since this procedure takes place under the gumline, a small incision is made so the endodontist can access it that is then sutured. 

If you need more information about root canals versus apicoectomies or are wondering if you may need one or the other, contact David G. Johnson, DDS today. We offer both root canals and apicoectomies and will do whatever we can to help you save your tooth.

Sometimes, even if you’ve had a root canal, your treated tooth can still develop problems, which would then necessitate endodontic retreatment. This is because although the hope is that if you care for your tooth properly that it will last the rest of your life, complications can arise and further issues can pop up. When this happens, endodontic retreatment may be able to save your natural tooth, giving it a second chance. Here’s what you need to know about the causes behind potentially needing a second endodontic procedure and how it works. 

Why Would You Need Endodontic Retreatment?

You would need endodontic retreatment when something was either overlooked in the initial root canal, when your tooth doesn’t heal properly from the first procedure, or when your tooth has been impacted and exhibits signs of decay or becomes loose or cracked or otherwise broken.

For instance, if there were narrow or curved canals that were missed during the treatment process of the root canal or if there was a complicated canal anatomy that your endodontist didn’t detect, these can cause your tooth to not heal properly. If the crown or other method of dental restoration was delayed, this can also cause problems in the healing process, as can if said dental restoration didn’t keep your saliva from contaminating the interior of your tooth.

It’s not always problems in the healing process that can require endodontic retreatment. A perfectly done root canal can still be impacted by new or repeated problems, such as new decay, fractures, or if the crown or dental restoration gets loose or becomes cracked or broken.  

Unfortunately, sometimes teeth don’t heal properly after having a root canal or further problems can arise. Should this happen, the next step doesn’t always need to be jumping to implants or other such tooth replacements. Because root canals involve removing the pulp from the inside of your tooth, this means that you can’t get another root canal when the previously treated tooth starts experiencing further issues. Endodontists will always strive to save your natural tooth, which is why endodontic retreatment is an option. Endodontic retreatment gives your tooth a second chance. 

The Process Of An Endodontic Retreatment

If you’re noticing pain or discomfort in a tooth you had a root canal done on, you’ll want to talk to your endodontist in order to determine if you need endodontic retreatment, as well as discuss your options. If endodontic retreatment is the best route for you, then your endodontist will need to open your tooth back up in order to get access to your root canal, clean it, and examine it. They’ll look for any signs that something was missed in the initial procedure that they’ll need to treat, as well as clean out any present decay. 

After that, your endodontist will both fill and seal the root canals, as well as put in a temporary filling. You may need endodontic surgery if your canals are blocked or unusually narrow. After the retreatment process has been completed, a new crown or other such dental restoration will be installed, so you can go back to painless teeth that are comfortable and function as they should. 

Are There Alternatives To Endodontic Retreatment?

Depending on your circumstances, you may need surgery in order for the endodontist to get access to your root in order to treat it. Aside from endodontic retreatment and endodontic surgery, unfortunately, the only other alternative you have is extraction. If you have your tooth extracted, you’ll then need to have implants, bridges, or dental bridges installed in order to replace the tooth. Even though tooth replacements are very effective, they’re not the same as your natural tooth. That’s why endodontists will do whatever they can in order to save your natural tooth before they suggest extraction and replacement teeth. 

If you had a root canal and are experiencing pain or discomfort in that tooth, you should contact your local endodontist. The sooner the better in regards to ensuring the success of being able to save your tooth. They will consult with you and go over your options in order to determine what is best for you and your specific case. 

Dr. David G. Johnson, D.D.S. provides expert endodontic retreatments. There’s no question that saving your natural tooth is the best option. Whenever you notice problems with your teeth, it’s important to seek out professional help so you can ensure you’re doing everything in your power to keep your natural teeth. If you have questions about or suspect you may need endodontic retreatment, don’t hesitate to contact our office today.

Strong as teeth are, they can still be injured. While cavities are something you can work to prevent, dental trauma often is out of your control. When your tooth gets injured, it’s natural to panic and wonder if it’s possible for it to heal. The sooner you seek out treatment after experiencing dental trauma, the higher the chances that your tooth will be able to heal.

What Is Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma is when your teeth or gums or the surrounding tissue like your lips and cheeks have been injured. It can range from fairly minor, such as a chipped tooth, to severe, such as a tooth that has been knocked out. Dental trauma can result from any number of causes, from a car crash to a sports injury. 

Because dental trauma usually results from injury, it’s hard to prevent. The best measures you can take to prevent it are following common safety procedures, such as wearing a seat belt when driving and using a mouthguard when playing contact sports.

Types Of Dental Trauma To Teeth

Many traumatic dental injuries are minor, however, there are serious cases in which the tooth has been significantly damaged. The type of dental trauma you’ve sustained will impact what your treatment options look like and how long it will take for your tooth to heal. Endodontists can help with dental trauma and increase the likelihood that your natural tooth can heal.

Fractured Teeth

Cracked or chipped teeth are among the least serious and the most common of dental traumas, but that doesn’t mean you can put off having them treated. In order to prevent the damage from escalating, it’s vital to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth

Dislodged teeth are when your tooth is knocked sideways or out of its socket. Endodontists can usually save these teeth by repositioning and stabilizing them.

Knocked Out (Avulsed) Teeth

If your tooth gets knocked out, it can still be saved. Seeking emergency dental care as soon as possible increases your chances of having it replaced. You want to keep the tooth from drying out, avoid touching the root, and handle it as carefully as possible.

Root Fractures

This is one of the most severe kinds of dental trauma you can experience. A root fracture is when the root of your tooth cracks. This can spread to the rest of your tooth. The location of the fracture impacts the ability to save the tooth with stabilization and root canal treatment.

Bone Injuries

The bones of your face can break or get injured just like your arms and legs. Endodontists can help with facial bone injuries with stabilizing plates or wiring your jaws together.

Can A Damaged Tooth Heal Naturally?

Sometimes, people wonder if they really need to go to a dentist or an endodontist if their tooth is damaged. Your body heals plenty of injuries and issues on its own, doesn’t it stand to reason that a damaged tooth can heal naturally? 

If you have extremely minimal damage, like a little line on the enamel of your tooth, that could heal over time with remineralization. But the fact of the matter is that if your tooth is damaged, it will typically only ever get worse if left untreated. For dental trauma especially, you need to see an expert in order to ensure that it can heal, and quickly, at that.

Treatment For Dental Trauma

The kind of treatment you receive depends on the kind of dental trauma that you’ve experienced, as well as its location and severity. How quickly you get to the dentist or endodontist after experiencing injury will impact how successful treatment is in saving your natural tooth if you’ve experienced more severe traumas like dislodged or knocked out teeth.

Some common treatment methods of dental trauma include: root canals, replantation (for knocked out teeth), veneers (for chipped teeth), extraction, crowns, repositioning, and splinting to stabilize a tooth until it heals. In some cases, surgical procedures may be required in order to repair severe damages. 

Treatment is individualized to your specific circumstance. Endodontists will always try to save your natural tooth through whatever means necessary, but in some cases, your natural tooth can’t be saved, and you will need to have it extracted and replaced.

How Long Does It Take For Dental Trauma To Heal?

How long your tooth takes to heal depends on the injury it experienced and the treatment you received. Some kinds of trauma require multiple appointments throughout the healing process in order to complete treatment and ensure everything is looking as it should, such as if you’ve had a tooth knocked out that then needs to have a splint in order to stabilize it and the potential need for a root canal treatment further along in the healing process. 

Depending on the injury, you may be able to recover within weeks or months, or you may need regular check-ins for up to five years following the trauma in order to ensure that it is healing properly and that no complications like root resorption occur.

Have You Sustained Dental Trauma?

If you’ve sustained dental trauma, it’s vital to seek emergency dental treatment in order to ensure that your tooth can be saved. If you’ve experienced a traumatic injury, contact our office immediately. We want to help you keep your teeth and offer expert services, so you’ll know you are in good hands.