What Is Apicoectomy?
In general, root canal treatment is sufficient for removing infected pulp within a tooth. However, occasionally can happen that this routine procedure isn’t enough to completely heal the tooth, leading to the requirement of a minor surgical intervention referred to as an Apicoectomy or root-end resection. This procedure allows us to reach inaccessible regions like concealed canals or cracks and eliminate all sources of infection for a full recovery. The need for an Apicoectomy is often indicated by tooth pain that cannot be detected through x-rays, which typically suggests that the infection is located at the top of the root, or the “Apex”.
The Process of Apicoectomy?
During an Apicoectomy, we access the top of the root through an incision in the gums to expose the bone and inflamed tissue. We remove the end of the root and any infected material, and then place a root-end filling to protect it. The gums are stitched and the bone heals on its own over a few months.
Does an Apicoectomy Hurt?
During the procedure, you will experience no pain as the area is fully anesthetized. After the procedure, some minor discomfort or swelling may occur at the incision site, which is common for any surgical intervention. To minimize your discomfort, a suitable pain reliever will be prescribed. If you experience pain that does not respond to the medication, kindly reach out to our Olympia office at (619) 579-0316 for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apicoectomy
No, endodontic surgery is not painful. Local anesthetics are used to ensure that you won’t feel anything during the surgery. Once this wears off, it is expected that you will experience some discomfort. This may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Because the jaw bone is impacted by an apicoectomy, it can take months for the jaw to heal.
There is not a set time frame for an apicoectomy, but generally, it takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the tooth’s location and the complexity of its root’s structure. Your endodontist should be able to give you a better idea of what you can expect as it relates to your needs.