request an appointment
Apicoectomy - Huntsville, Al
An Overview of Endodontic Surgery
Following a successful non-surgical endodontic treatment (root canal), the inside of your tooth should be completely free from any decay or damage. Unfortunately, the inside of the tooth can be difficult to navigate, and sometimes, infected tissue can be missed. Other patients experience reinfection years later. Whatever the case, we still may be able to save your tooth from extraction by completing an endodontic surgery called apicoectomy. Sometimes referred to as root tip surgery, this treatment allows us to remove damaged tissue, infection, or decay through the bottom of your tooth’s root tip. If you want to learn more about apicoectomy or any of our other endodontic treatments, please call our office to schedule a consultation appointment today. If you are in pain, please let our team know. We will walk you through first aid and pain management over the phone.
Why do I Need Endodontic Surgery?
Damaged or decayed dental pulp can lead to severe toothache, and in order to prevent the need for extraction, root canal therapy may be necessary. In rare cases, root canal therapy may not successfully heal the tooth. When non-surgical root canal therapy is not effective, endodontic surgery may be necessary. Apicoectomy, root tip surgery, is the most often performed surgical retreatment. In many cases, apicoectomy gives us one last chance to save a damaged tooth that would otherwise need to be removed following root canal failure.
What is an Apicoectomy?
Dr. Bishop performs the most common endodontic surgical procedure called an apicoectomy. This procedure is needed when the inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after endodontic treatment. In this procedure, Dr. Bishop opens the gum tissue near the tooth to expose the underlying bone, and the infected tissue is removed. The very end of the root is also removed, and a small filling may be placed to seal the root canal. Local anesthetics make the procedure comfortable. Most patients return to their normal activities the next day.
How do I Prepare for my Apicoectomy?
Before your apicoectomy, we will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare for the surgical treatment. We will need to discuss any past surgical treatments especially if you had an adverse reaction. Dr. Bishop will review your current medications and work with you and your physician to ensure your medications will not adversely impact the procedure. The day before any major procedure, you will need to avoid eating for at least eight to twelve hours prior to your surgery. We will provide other more specific guidelines during your consultation appointment.
What Happens After Apicoectomy?
Following your apicoectomy, you should closely monitor your teeth and gums for signs of treatment failure or infection. If your pain worsens, swelling increases, or you notice signs of infection like sores on the gums, inflammation, or fever, please call Dr. Bishop and her team right away. These are all warning signs that you may need retreatment or emergency repair.
More Commonly Asked Questions About Apicoectomies
How Can I Recognize a Failing Root Canal?
Root canals are performed to protect severely decayed, infected, or damaged teeth. They are typically done as a last resort before extracting the tooth. During a root canal, your mouth will be numbed by your endodontist, but you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and light bleeding following the procedure. These are completely normal and will gradually improve over the next few days and weeks.
Although most treatments are incredibly successful (typically between 85 and 97%) there is always a chance your root canal can fail, requiring retreatment (apicoectomy).
Although each patient is different, some common warning signs of a failing root canal include:
- New pain in the treated tooth, even weeks or months after your root canal procedure.
- Pain in new areas of the mouth.
- Redness or swelling in the gum tissue surrounding the treated tooth.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact Dr. Bishop as soon as possible.
Do Apicoectomies Hurt?
Although your tooth may already be in pain when you visit Dr. Bishop for your apicoectomy, the procedure itself should not hurt because she will first numb your mouth with local anesthesia. Thus, while you’ll remain awake for the procedure, you should not feel anything but slight pressure. Following your treatment, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, but the discomfort should gradually subside over the next few days.
Are There Alternatives to an Apicoectomy?
Unfortunately, the only alternatives to an apicoectomy are tooth extraction and replacement with either a dental bridge or dental implant.
Many patients ask if they can take oral antibiotics to treat tooth infections, but because these must travel through the bloodstream to treat infections and teeth do not receive blood from your bloodstream, antibiotics cannot fight tooth infections. Thus, a root canal must be performed, and if that fails, an apicoectomy can make another attempt to preserve the tooth.
How Can I Improve My Odds for a Successful Apicoectomy?
Although your first root canal may not have been as successful as you’d hoped, there are many things you can do to improve your odds for a successful apicoectomy. These include:
- Don’t chew on the treated tooth for a few days.
- Don’t smoke or use straws for at least 48 hours after treatment.
- Keep your treated tooth clean but be careful when brushing and flossing around the surgical site.
- Call Dr. Bishop if you notice any severe, worsening pain or a high fever.