Apicoectomy is a surgical endodontic therapy that is usually undertaken after a previous root canal procedure has failed. Although a traditional root canal procedure is generally successful, infected particles may get left behind in the tooth's canals, occasionally leading to future infections.
A patient whose tooth becomes infected again after a root canal may experience pain, swelling, or tenderness of the gums. But others may experience no symptoms at all. The infection is often diagnosed through an ultrasound exam.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy procedure is performed to remove the root tip, the apex, and the infected tissue. This ensures the complete elimination of the infection and allows the tooth to return to a healthy state. The blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth through the tip of the root and then make their way through the canals to the pulp chamber. Thus removing the root tip will make sure no infected tissue remains in the tooth. A second root canal will have to be done before performing the apicoectomy surgery.
Apicoectomy Procedure
Apicoectomy surgery is performed under local anesthesia and usually takes thirty to ninety minutes, based on the location of the tooth and the difficulty of the root structure. Our dentist, Dr. A. P. Singh, will cut into the gum and separate it from the tooth to access the tooth root during the procedure. The infected tissue and the root tip are then removed.
After the root tip has been eliminated, the tooth canal is cleaned and sealed to protect the tooth from further infection. An X-ray of the tooth is taken before the tissue is stitched back into position. In due course, the bone will heal around the end of the root.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during an apicoectomy. This process is less invasive than the previous root canal procedure and includes a shorter and less painful recovery.
Recovery from Apicoectomy
After an apicoectomy, you may experience bruising and swelling in the area for several days. These symptoms include pain that can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medication. It would help if you kept an ice pack to the site for the first 10 to 12 hours after surgery. Solid or crunchy foods should be avoided for a few days to allow the region to heal.
The stitches are entirely removed after a week, and most side effects decrease within two weeks. Patients can go back to their usual routines a few days after that.
If you want to know more about the apicoectomy procedure, visit any of our All Smile Dental offices in California. We are located at 1647 Countryside Dr, Turlock, CA 95380 and 1100 Carver Rd. #5, Modesto, CA 95350. You can reach our Dentist in Turlock, CA at (209) 668-3736 or Dentist in Modesto, CA at (209) 409-8839.
