The words “root canal” might strike fear into the hearts of dental patients, but they’re not as dreadful as they used to be. Years of study and new techniques make them more painless and effective than ever before.
They work well at removing infections in the pulp of teeth and the ensuing pain and swelling. They’re not a foolproof method, and failure rates of up to 15% are possible.
Fear not; the apicoectomy is here. It’s the sidekick to the superhero root canal, ready to help when their mighty powers aren’t enough.
Read on to learn the answer to questions like what is an apicoectomy and find out everything you need to know about the procedure.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is also known as root-end surgery or root-end resection. It’s a minor endodontic surgery used to remove infected tissue at the tip of a tooth when a root canal fails.
It can help treat conditions such as:
- Inflammation of a tooth root
- Apical periodontitis
- Abscesses
An apicoectomy can treat those conditions without causing any permanent damage. It aims to save natural teeth and prevent the need for dental extractions.
Apicoectomy Procedure vs. Root Canal Procedure
One way to answer a question like “what is an apicoectomy” is to determine what it’s not. It’s not the same thing as the root canals it often restores.
Root canal surgery involves removing an infected tooth’s pulp and nerves. The endodontist cleans out the insides. It’s the first choice for saving teeth, but it may not be enough.
The apicoectomy procedure starts with an incision into the gums. The dentist then removes the infected tissue and the root tip.
A filling seals the root canal. Stitches may also be placed to speed up the healing process. In rare cases of severe damage, a bone graft may also be required.
Recovery and Post-Surgery Care
Post-surgery care focuses on managing pain and preventing reinfection. You may be prescribed medication such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
It’s important to keep the surgical site clean without irritating it. Don’t rinse your mouth for eight hours afterward. Then, rinse with salt water every few hours and after meals. Don’t touch it or drink with a straw. Keep up your oral hygiene routine without brushing on it.
Eat soft foods and avoid hot liquids or spicy food. Try not to chew on the area of your mouth where the surgery site is.
There may be bleeding and inflammation for a few days after the procedure. Control the bleeding by biting on gauze pads. Control the swelling by using ice packs for 15 minutes at a time.
Remember to attend all follow-up appointments so that the endodontist can monitor your progress and see how you’re healing. Mention any continuing symptoms, such as persistent pain.
An apicoectomy is one of the easier types of dental surgery to recover from for those who follow aftercare instructions. Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days. The stitches can be removed in a week.
Dental Health Benefits
The most obvious and important of all the dental health benefits of an apicoectomy is the removal of infections. Stopping them from spreading prevents larger issues from cropping up. The most serious is a deadly full-body condition known as sepsis.
It can also help save natural teeth. It maintains the structure of your mouth and jaw. It also prevents the need for more invasive and expensive forms of oral surgery, such as an extraction.
An apicoectomy is also one of the safest and easiest options. The likelihood of success is high with the right oral surgeon.
Risk and Success Rates
Apicoectomies are successful, long-lasting procedures. A systematic review published in the Open Dentistry Journal found success rates of up to 91% and survival rates ranging from 78-100%
The most obvious risk is failure of the procedure. It doesn’t always fully remove the infection or prevent it from recurring.
Other risks of the procedure include:
- Nerve damage
- Infection in nearby areas, such as the sinuses
Apicoectomy Alternatives
When an apicoectomy procedure fails, one option is to try, try again. A dentist may do another apicoetomy or even another root canal.
One of the only viable options if those repeated procedures don’t work is tooth extraction. It’s the only way to make sure that the infection deep within the tooth is completely removed.
Options for filling the hole the extracted tooth leaves behind include implants, bridges, and dentures.
Implants and Bridges
Dental implants are one of the most common options for replacing missing teeth. They have a high success rate and resemble natural teeth.
Bridges can restore large open spaces. They use implants as a “bridge” to provide support.
Most take a while to install, but there are other, faster options. Same-day dental implants, as their name implies, can be implanted in a day. They may be effective but aren’t as durable as other options. They may not be right for athletes or workers in dangerous jobs.
Teeth in a Day is another quick option. It refers to implants that can restore a row of teeth in a single visit. They’re also effective but can also have durability problems.
Dentures
Dentures are another option after a tooth extraction. They can cover a wide open space.
The problem is dentures aren’t the most natural-looking option. They can slip and cause issues with speaking or eating. They also require regular oral care to stay healthy.
Where to Get Oral Surgery
What is an apicoectomy? It’s a procedure performed after failed root canals to remove infected tissue at the tip of a tooth.
Jenkins, Morrow, and Gayhart are your premiere choice for oral and maxillofacial surgery in Lexington and London, KY. We offer wisdom tooth removal and extractions. They’ll help get damaged or infected teeth out. Implants will fill the empty space. We also offer more extensive services such as orthognathic surgery and emergency surgery.
Our goal is to improve oral health while giving patients a comfortable experience. Contact us for an appointment today.
Recent Comments