Even if you’d be fine with a root canal, sometimes that option isn’t enough to help your tooth. An endodontist will often suggest an apicoectomy in those specific (and unique) cases. But what if you’ve never heard of this treatment, and you don’t know when to get it? No need to worry; your Middleburg Heights practice has you covered. Just keep reading to learn when an apicoectomy is necessary, given how the procedure works.
Context: What’s an Apicoectomy?
If you want to grasp when apicoectomies are needed, you’ll have to know what they are first. Why you need treatment won’t make sense otherwise.
All in all, an apicoectomy is a procedure that treats an infection in the tip of a tooth root. It does so by removing said tip along with any surrounding infected tissue. Once the removal is done, treatment concludes by sealing the root with a filling. (This latter step prevents future infections.)
Though they bear similarities, an apicoectomy isn’t the same as a standard root canal. The latter is performed through the infected tooth’s crown, so it involves some dental drilling. In contrast, an apicoectomy reaches the infection through the gum tissue and bone near the root.
When Do Endodontists Suggest One?
In light of the facts above, endodontists only suggest an apicoectomy in rare cases. Examples of these include the following:
When Your Infection/Inflammation Persists
While root canals are often enough on their own, they don’t always work out. A patient’s tooth infection (or inflammation) can sometimes persist even after the initial treatment. Should that happen, an endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy to remove the remaining infected tissue.
When You Have Small Fractures or Cysts
By the time you seek treatment, your tooth’s infection may have caused further issues. Perhaps it’s spread beyond the root and created a cyst, or the root has developed a crack or fracture. In scenarios like those, an apicoectomy is usually the best solution. It can remove any-existing cyst and allow the bone to heal, or repair the cracked or fractured root.
When Retreatment Isn’t Possible
Root canal retreatment is the normal go-to when a tooth is “re-infected,” but there’s always a chance it won’t be possible. The patient may suffer from blocked or curved canals, calcium deposits that obstruct the dental team, etc. When such things happen, an endodontist can perform an apicoectomy to surgically remove the untreatable root portion.
While an apicoectomy isn’t often necessary, you may well need one in the future. Therefore, make sure to remember the cases above!
About the Practice
Parkway Endodontics is based in Middleburg Heights, OH. Led by Dr. Peyman Vaziri, our practice has been smoothly and effectively saving teeth for over twenty years now. We do so through root canal therapy, apicoectomies, emergency dentistry, and more. If you have a tooth at risk of failing, come see us – we’ll quickly help you! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (440)-243-7221.
