Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a relatively non-invasive dental surgery performed on adults and children to prevent at-risk teeth from being lost and prevent potentially severe oral health complications. The procedure is generally needed following a root canal: when there is residual inflammation or infection near the root tip that connects with the jaw bone. If you are experiencing pain or swelling following a root canal procedure, contact Campsie Laser Dental to book an appointment today. In this blog post we will explain why an apicoectomy might be needed, how to prepare for an apicoectomy, what the procedure looks like and how to properly care for your teeth following treatment.
Why Do I Need An Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is usually recommended when a root canal treatment has been given, but was ineffective at saving the tooth and preventing further complications. In cases where there’s an anatomical concern with the root tip, such as one root crowding into the space of the root next to it, an apicoectomy may be helpful in preventing problems that could affect multiple teeth later on. If an apicoectomy is recommended it’s because there is no alternative other than to remove an entire tooth.
Preparing for Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is usually performed by a dentist (although, sometimes an endodontist will perform the treatment). Before your appointment you must inform your dentist of any medications you’re taking because the procedure requires the use of local anesthesia. Your dentist will ensure that there are no risks from mixing your medication with anesthesia. The doctor will apply the anesthetic to the area of the mouth where the procedure is being performed before continuing with the apicoectomy.
What Does An Apicoectomy Procedure Look Like?
- During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist cuts through your gum and pushes the gum tissue aside in order to reach the root. Usually just a few millimeters of the root are removed, as is any infected tissue surrounding the root.
- After the root tip is removed, the root canal inside the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a small filling to prevent future infection. Your dentist or endodontist may then take another X-ray to make sure your tooth and jaw look good and that there are no spaces where a new infection could take hold.
- The tissue will then be stitched back together so your gum can heal and grow back in place. Your jawbone will also eventually heal around the filling at the end of the root. You shouldn’t feel much, if any, pain or discomfort during the procedure.
An apicoectomy usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. The location of the tooth and the intricacy of the root structure can affect the time needed to complete the surgery
Post-Apicoectomy Care
Following your apicoectomy treatment, you will experience some redness and swelling at the site of the root tip removal. This gradually decreases over the course of two days and you should soon be able to resume normal activities. It’s recommended that you eat only soft foods and mellow liquids after receiving your apicoectomy. Brush very gently and avoid flossing until the swelling subsides. You may be prescribed pain medications or antibiotics following treatment. Be sure to avoid mixing alcohol with pain medication and smoking altogether.