Apicoectomy in Hilliard, OH

Please note we may not offer this treatment at our office. Call (614) 771-6060 for more information. 

Apicoectomies: A Root Canal Treatment Alternative

An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive dental surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, allowing your endodontist to clean and seal the root canal. This procedure is recommended when a traditional root canal treatment has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please contact our Hilliard, OH, dentist by calling our Hilliard dental office at (614) 771-6060. 

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery performed to treat a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment but failed to heal. It’s also known as a root-end resection or root-end surgery.

During a conventional root canal procedure, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s canal, cleans it, and fills it with a material to prevent further infection. Sometimes the tooth doesn’t heal properly, and infection persists. In such cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading further.

Why Choose an Apicoectomy?

Preserving your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction, and an apicoectomy offers several benefits:

• Save Your Natural Tooth: Maintain the integrity of your smile and oral function.
• Minimally Invasive: A small incision is made to access the affected area, reducing discomfort.
• High Success Rates: The procedure boasts a success rate exceeding 90 percent with proper aftercare.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within days.

Candidacy for Apicoectomy

Your endodontist will assess your situation to determine if an apicoectomy procedure is the right choice for you. Several factors could make you a suitable candidate for an apicoectomy:

• Unsuccessful Root Canal Treatment: If you’ve previously had a root canal treatment but the tooth hasn’t healed, an apicoectomy might be necessary to save the tooth.
• Presence of Infection or Abscess: If there’s an infection or abscess at the end of the tooth’s root, an apicoectomy can eliminate the infected tissue and prevent further damage.
• Challenging Canal Structure: If the tooth’s canals are narrow or curved, it might be difficult for your endodontist to clean them effectively during a standard root canal treatment. In such cases, an apicoectomy might be required to remove any remaining infected tissue.
• Close Proximity to Vital Structures: If the affected tooth is located near nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy might be the best option to avoid harming these structures during the procedure.

The Apicoectomy Process

An apicoectomy is typically conducted with a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring the patient remains comfortable throughout the dental procedure. Dental sedation may also be used to help the patient relax.

The procedure generally lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s what you can anticipate during the apicoectomy:

1. Your endodontist will create a small incision in the gum tissue near the tooth to access the root end.
2. They will then use specialized tools to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean the root tip thoroughly.
3. Once the root end is cleaned, it will be sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent any further infection.
4. The gum tissue will be sutured back into place to promote proper healing.

After the procedure, you will be given detailed postoperative care instructions. It’s essential to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.