Apicoectomy surgery with McDonough, GA area dental team

Woman with perfect smile

Patients who have injured or damaged pulp within the natural tooth often benefit from a procedure known as root canal therapy. This treatment is performed to remove dental pulp tissues from within a tooth, disinfect the canals of the tooth, and then fill it with gutta percha to seal it and protect it from infection. However, there are situations that occasionally arise in which root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy, cannot save or sufficiently heal the tooth. In these situations, an endodontist may recommend a surgical procedure called an apicoectomy.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, sometimes referred to as a root-end resection, is a specialized procedure performed by an endodontist. An incision is made in the gum tissue around the affected tooth to expose the bone. Inflamed, damaged tissue is removed around the end of the root tip through this incision. Then, a root-end filling is put in place. This prevents reinfection of the tooth root that may occur if bacteria enter the area. The gums are then sutured to finish the procedure.

What can I expect for apicoectomy recovery?

After an apicoectomy, the bone of the jaw will naturally heal in this area, restoring the function and strength of the impacted tooth over the course of several months. The only discomfort that may be experienced is immediately after the procedure has been performed. Patients may leave the dental office with some minor discomfort and swelling in the treated area. This is perfectly normal and no reason for concern. Many patients find relief with over-the-counter pain medications for several days following the procedure, which is typical for any surgical treatment. Patients who have extreme pain, extensive bleeding, and other concerns will want to call our office post-operation to determine if further evaluation is needed.

Learn more about apicoectomy procedures today!

If you need an apicoectomy, contact the specialists at McDonough Endodontic Center. Drs. Rolin Desir and Candace DeVeaux serve patients in the communities of McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove, GA and accept new patients and families into their state-of-the-art facility. Call (770) 954-8672 to schedule an appointment at our facility, conveniently located in Suite 200 at 1705 Highway 20 W.

FAQs

A surgical procedure performed to remove the tip of the tooth’s root when there is an infection at the end of the root. The objective of this procedure is to remove the infected tissue and cleanse the area around the root so that proper healing can occur.

You might need this procedure if: 

  • Initial root canal therapy failed to treat the infection.
  • The end of the tooth’s root is infected.
  • The surrounding bone is damaged or diseased.

Your endodontist will make an incision in the gum tissue around the affected tooth to expose the bone and remove damaged and inflamed tissue around the end of the root tip through this incision. Then, he will place a root-end filling to prevent the tooth root from getting reinfected. The gums will be stitched to complete the procedure.

There may be some swelling and discomfort and numbness in your teeth and gums for a few days, which is quite normal. You should take care of your mouth during this period with regular brushing and flossing and avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. Take antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by your physician.

Most patients can return to work or resume normal activities the next day. Discuss this issue with your physician at Conyers Endodontic Center before you go ahead with treatment.