Why You May Need an Apicoectomy

If your dentist has told you that you need an apicoectomy, you have one more chance to save your natural tooth, which is fantastic. While there are numerous tooth replacement options, none of them look, feel, and function quite like your natural tooth. This is not to say that replacing a tooth is not going to look and feel amazing; it is simply to say that saving your natural tooth is always the first choice. If you’ve had a root canal procedure and are still in pain, your infection may have come back, and you now need an apicoectomy, or root-end surgery.

 

In this post, we outline everything you need to know about what an apicoectomy is and how it can save you from needing a tooth extraction and inevitable prosthesis.

 

What Is an Apicoectomy, and How Is It Performed?

An apicoectomy is a second root canal procedure performed on the apex of your tooth, or the tip of the root of the tooth. Often, this is the final opportunity to save your natural tooth. Unlike a root canal where your dentist gains access to the root of the tooth and removes the pulp to cleanse the root area of the tooth, an apicoectomy is only performed on the apex of the tooth, or the bottom tip of the root. This procedure is designed to cleanse and restore the surrounding tissues. 

 

During an apicoectomy, your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the apex of your tooth, remove it, cleanse the area, and fill it in with a biocompatible filling material.

 

When Is an Apicoectomy Recommended?

If you have had a root canal but the infection was not completely cleared out or returned, your dentist will likely recommend an apicoectomy. However, an apicoectomy has other indications as well, including:

 

  • Your tooth has not healed well after a root canal procedure
  • The infection has returned
  • Treat bone loss or dental trauma like fracturing
  • Calcified root canal

 

While dental implant technology has come a long way, there is no tooth replacement option that functions or looks exactly like your real tooth, and if your dentist believes that your natural tooth can be saved, it is often the best and most cost-effective option. An apicoectomy is a minor procedure, often causing less discomfort and a shorter recovery time than a traditional root canal procedure. This minor procedure can prevent extensive, costly dental treatment.

 

Signs That You May Need an Apicoectomy

Some signs that you should see your dentist about an apicoectomy in Austin, TX include:

 

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Pus, bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath
  • Isolated, sudden tooth discoloration

 

Treating an oral infection is vitally important. If you don’t seek treatment right away, the infection can spread to the bone and surrounding tissues, which can be dangerous. If you are in pain and think you may have an infection, schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon in Austin, TX as soon as possible. 

 

The Benefits of Apicoectomy for Treating Root Canal Failures

The primary benefit of an apicoectomy for treating a root canal failure is that you can save your natural tooth. Sometimes, a tooth just doesn’t heal well or the canals are too narrow to effectively clean out the infection in its entirety. The benefits of an apicoectomy include:

 

  • Save your natural tooth and avoid extraction
  • Prevent infection from spreading to surrounding areas or tissues, causing more extensive tissue damage and tooth loss
  • Relieve pain, swelling, or other uncomfortable symptoms

 

It is important to note that the primary benefit of an apicoectomy is avoiding a tooth extraction. Root end surgery in Buda, TX really is the last stop before the tooth needs to be removed and you need to explore tooth replacement options. An apicoectomy is less invasive and more cost-effective than choosing not to seek treatment.

 

What Happens During an Apicoectomy Procedure?

During an apicoectomy in Buda, TX, your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the tip of the root of your tooth. From there, they will remove the diseased tissue and clean the surrounding healthy tissue. Once that step is complete, your oral surgeon will seal the area with a biocompatible filling material, place a bone graft if necessary, and close the incision with sutures.

 

Our oral surgeons at Hill Country Oral Surgery understand that being in a place where you need oral surgery can be upsetting, stressful, and quite literally painful. We offer a variety of anesthesia options to ensure your comfort and safety. An apicoectomy should relieve you of your pain, not cause it.

 

Recovery and Aftercare Tips for a Successful Apicoectomy

Today, especially when you partner with a board-certified oral surgeon, apicoectomy surgeries have an above 90% success rate. The biggest priority when considering how to have a successful apicoectomy is choosing a board-certified oral surgeon you trust.

 

Your oral surgeon will provide post-surgical care instructions that include how to care for the treatment area, how to brush your teeth during recovery, what to eat and drink, and when to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

 

Because apicoectomy surgery is less invasive than a root canal procedure, the recovery is not extensive and is often easier than a traditional root canal. However, while your incision is healing, you should expect some swelling and discomfort, but your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help with your discomfort.

 

How an Apicoectomy Can Save Your Tooth from Extraction

Root end surgery, or an apicoectomy, is the end of the line for your natural tooth. After a failed root canal, there are only two options: a second root canal or extraction. If you choose to opt out of an apicoectomy, you will need a tooth extraction and an implant and prosthetic tooth, which is more invasive, takes more time, and costs more money.

 

We understand that needing a second root canal surgery is distressing and, quite literally, painful. However, it really is the best option for preserving your long-term oral health.

 

When you partner with the board-certified oral surgeons at Hill Country Oral Surgery, you can be confident that you are getting the best care available from a team of compassionate people with an unwavering commitment to safety and clinical excellence.  

 

To learn more about whether an apicoectomy can save your tooth or to schedule a consultation to plan your root end surgery in Austin, TX, contact Hill Country Oral Surgery at 512-327-7233 or by filling out our online contact form.