Treat Infections and Avoid Extraction
Preserve Your Tooth with Apicoectomy
If you've had a root canal but continue to experience tooth pain or problems due to a recurring infection, the next step may be an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery. This procedure offers a final chance to save your tooth before extraction becomes necessary. At DentRight Dental San Antonio, we offer apicoectomy and a range of other oral surgery procedures, including dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, and jaw surgery. Our mission is to preserve the function and appearance of your natural teeth.
What is an Apicoectomy?
To understand the apicoectomy procedure, it's helpful to first learn about the structure of a tooth. The part of the tooth that is visible in your mouth is known as the crown, but beneath the gumline, the tooth continues into the root, which is embedded in the jawbone.
Front teeth typically have a single root, while back teeth, like molars, have two or more roots. At the tip of each root is the apex, where blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth. From the apex, a small channel extends to the pulp chamber, which is the central part of the tooth. The pulp chamber, however, is not visible because it is covered by the tooth's enamel.
Root canal therapy is a procedure where diseased or infected tissue inside the tooth is removed and the area is sealed to prevent further infection. It’s similar to a deep cleaning of the tooth's inner structure. However, in some cases, root canal therapy may not completely eliminate an infection. Factors like additional canals, cracks, or issues that aren’t visible on x-rays can complicate the treatment.
When an infection reoccurs after a root canal, it often signals the need for an apicoectomy, or root-end surgery. If your dentist in San Antonio recommends this procedure, it means that a standard root canal can no longer save your tooth, and a more advanced treatment is required. An apicoectomy is frequently the only solution to salvage a tooth that has failed to heal after a root canal.
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the tip of a tooth's root. It involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the infected root tip. The diseased tissue is removed, and a portion of the infected root is also extracted. The remaining tooth is then sealed to prevent reinfection. In some cases, a bone graft may be applied, and the incision is closed with sutures.
This procedure is highly successful and helps save many teeth every year. However, there are cases where the infection is too severe for surgery, and extraction may be the only option. If an apicoectomy does not succeed, tooth extraction would be the next step.
At DentRight Dental San Antonio, we specialize in apicoectomy and other advanced dental treatments to help preserve your natural teeth and maintain your oral health.
What Kind of Recovery Can I Expect After Root-End Surgery?
Root-end surgery typically involves a relatively short recovery time, though it’s important to be mindful of your diet until the incision has fully healed. As with any surgery, some tenderness and swelling may occur during the recovery period. To manage discomfort and promote healing, prescribed medications will be provided. During your consultation, we will explain the recovery process in detail, including the expected downtime. Many of our patients find that recovery from root-end surgery is easier than from the initial root canal procedure.
Apicoectomy FAQs
Most apicoectomies typically take between 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration depending on the tooth’s location and the complexity of its root structure. Generally, front teeth can be treated more quickly, while lower molars tend to be more challenging and may require additional time.
