Root Canal Surgery – Lorain, OH
Removing Infection from Around the Root Tips and the Surrounding Area
Sometimes after root canal therapy, there may still be some inflamed gum tissue around the roots of the tooth. This is typically a sign that an infection might still be present, and action will need to be taken if you want to avoid an extraction. In some instances conventional retreatment is not the best option especially if previous attempts have not worked. In such cases, Dr. Vaziri may recommend having root canal surgery in Lorain performed. Please call our dental office today if you would like to learn more about this treatment and why it might be critical for protecting your smile.
Why Choose Parkway Endodontics of Lorain for Root Canal Surgery?
- Thorough, Detail-Oriented Endodontists
- Trusted by Middleburg Heights Since 2004
- We Think of Patients as Partners
What is Root Canal Surgery?
While root canal therapy deals with the inner chamber of the tooth, root canal surgery specifically focuses on the treatment of the tip of the roots. This may be necessary if a previously root canal treated tooth becomes re-infected. Possible reasons may be recurrent decay or a crack amongst others. Root canal surgery is also a viable option when a previously root canal treated tooth can not be conventionally treated due to an obstruction in the canals or in case of a bran new restoration that needs to be preserved.
The Root Canal Surgery Process
The area around the affected tooth will be numbed so that there will be no pain during the procedure. A small incision will be made in the gums so that the tips of the roots can be accessed. A small section of the root will be removed, the remaining part will be prepared and sealed with a filling. Any infected tissue around the roots will be removed. Stitches will be used to close the gums so that they can heal.
What Happens After My Root Canal Surgery?
The recovery to this procedure is generally quick. Some discomfort and swelling might occur after your root canal surgery. Use ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take over-the-counter pain medication if you need to. Eat soft foods while you’re recovering and avoid chewing with the part of your mouth where the surgery was performed. Physical exertion can worsen your swelling, so it’s best to take it easy during the initial stages of your recovery. Protect your mouth from infection by gargling with salt water after each meal.
Root Canal Surgery FAQs
When is Root Canal Surgery Necessary?
Root canal surgery is only necessary when an initial root canal therapy treatment fails. Technically, this type of retreatment surgery is called an “apicoectomy.” Your first round of root canal therapy might have failed because your tooth became reinfected, or because curved or extra canals harbored dangerous bacteria.
To clarify, there are other types of root canal retreatment. What makes an apicoectomy different is that it’s more delicate and focuses on the very tip of the dental roots. It’s also ideal for patients with new restorations that must be handled carefully.
Are There Risks to Having Root Canal Surgery?
Apicoectomies are very safe treatments with a 95% success rate. However, there is a small risk of developing another infection or nerve damage. It’s also possible for an apicoectomy to fail. Since this type of surgery is often the last line of defense for a troubled tooth, failure often means the tooth has to be extracted.
It’s important to be aware of these possibilities but know that apicoectomies have a reliable track record for success.
Will Dental Insurance Cover My Root Canal Surgery?
Most likely. Every plan is different, so it’s always a good idea to double-check, but generally, apicoectomies are at least partially covered by dental insurance.
Our team is always happy to help with your dental insurance benefits. If you’re having trouble determining what is and isn’t covered, we’ll review the details of your plan carefully to make sure you’re saving as much money as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance or for a breakdown of your benefits!
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Surgery?
Treating a reinfected tooth with an apicoectomy has many benefits, such as:
- Enabling you to keep your natural tooth structure
- Avoiding the need for extraction and tooth replacement
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Reliable rate of success
- Experiencing minimal discomfort – note that we can offer dental sedation for patients with a history of sensitivity or anxiety!
- Short recovery time in most cases
What Are the Signs I Might Need an Apicoectomy?
Root canal surgery is most often needed when a previously treated tooth becomes reinfected. As such, you’ll likely experience symptoms related to infection. For example:
- Pain that lasts longer than one week
- Pain that is severe and distracting
- A noticeable bump or “pimple” just above your tooth
- A visual oral exam or X-ray shows root or bone damage
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Root canals are often preventable, yes. That’s why our team at Parkway Endodontics recommends incorporating healthy habits into your routine, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. At the same time, avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, and other harmful habits that could compromise the health of your smile.
Important reminder: If you start to notice anything unusual, like persistent sensitivity or a dull, persistent throbbing, don’t wait – call our Lorain dental office right away. The sooner you do, the sooner we can schedule an exam, pinpoint the culprit, and provide the necessary restorative care, reducing the chances of you needing a root canal in the process.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Like many other patients, you might assume that a root canal is only necessary if you’re struggling with an excruciating toothache in Lorain. In reality, there are several other warning signs of trouble, including inflamed gums and dark discoloration on the enamel. Not only that, but the infection can kill the nerve of your tooth, rendering it unable to register pain. So, even though the situation may not feel urgent, it very well may be!
Are Root Canals Painful?
Of course, this list of FAQs wouldn’t be complete without this question – it’s one of the most-asked ones! If you are curious about the answer, we have good news for you: it’s “no.” To ensure you don’t feel any pain during your time in the treatment chair, we will numb your mouth thoroughly beforehand. We will also provide you with a list of aftercare instructions so you can heal comfortably as well, like rinsing with warm saltwater periodically, not chewing on that side of your mouth, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
I Am Scared of Getting a Root Canal. What Should I Do?
Even though there’s nothing to fear, patients continue to take the “wait and see” approach in an effort not to get a root canal in Lorain. Unfortunately, however, this just allows more time for the root of the problem to progress, increasing the risk of extraction in the process. For this reason, we recommend sharing any fears, anxiety, or concerns you have with our team at Parkway Endodontics. From there, we can share further insight, answer questions, and, if necessary, add oral conscious sedation to your treatment plan.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
There isn’t any scientific evidence supporting the claim that root canals can make you sick. Despite this, the myth continues to persist. This is largely due to research that was conducted back in the 1920s. However, it has been disproven on several occasions throughout the years. Furthermore, the opposite can happen: not getting the restorative care you need can cause the infection to spread throughout your mouth and body, negatively impacting your oral and overall health in the process.
