Apicoectomy

Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal your tooth and surgery is necessary. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays, but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces, or surrounding bone, may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy, or root-end resection.

What is an Apicoectomy?

The video on the right illustrates this preferred dental procedure. As you will see, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months, eventually restoring full function.

Following the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, or slight swelling, while the incision heals. This is to be expected following any surgical procedure. To minimize your discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to the recommended medication, please call our office at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757.

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