What Is An Apicoectomy?
The goal of a root canal is to fully remove the infection from your treated tooth, but the tooth roots contain multiple tiny branches where bacteria may hide or return. If a tooth gets re-infected after you have had a root canal performed, an apicoectomy is typically recommended. An effective solution, an apicoectomy takes out any infected tissue near the tooth's root, in addition to the needed tip or tips. Sometimes called endodontic microsurgery or root-end resection, an apicoectomy may save the visible area of the tooth if you have a restoration, like a crown or bridge. After one or multiple root canal procedures, contact Smith & Smith Endodontics to try a better solution with an apicoectomy. Drs. Wilder and Carol Smith are ready to help.
How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
Prior to performing any treatment, we will examine your mouth and then talk about your choices before deciding to perform an apicoectomy. A local anesthetic will be applied to the needed areas to start the treatment. Sedation methods may be used as well, depending on the extent of your treatment, or to alleviate dental anxiety and fears. We will start by creating an incision through the gum tissue to expose the tooth's root. The infected tissue and root tip will be removed before the area is thoroughly cleaned. To ensure the infection is completely removed, a dental dye will highlight cracks in your tooth. When the tooth is cleaned and sealed, we will close the incision in your gums using stitches. We will review what you can expect during your apicoectomy recovery and how best to promote healthy healing.
What Can I Expect After an Apicoectomy?
After an apicoectomy, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, or discomfort around the treated area. These symptoms are typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication and tend to improve over the first few days. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though chewing on the treated side should be avoided temporarily. Our team will provide specific oral hygiene instructions to support healing. As healing progresses over the following weeks, inflammation resolves and the tooth stabilizes, helping preserve the natural tooth and prevent future infection.
What Are the Benefits of an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy procedure offers several benefits for patients dealing with persistent tooth infections or damage after a root canal treatment. Benefits include:
- Removes infection or bacteria from the root tip
- Saves the natural tooth from extraction
- Prevents further damage to surrounding teeth
- Reduces the need for more extensive dental procedures
- Provides a long-term solution for recurring dental issues
Am I A Candidate For An Apicoectomy?
If you're experiencing ongoing tooth pain or infection after a root canal, you may be a candidate for an apicoectomy. This procedure is designed to remove the infection and save your tooth, even in complex cases. During a consultation at Smith & Smith Endodontics, we will carefully evaluate your condition, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether an apicoectomy is the best option for you. Our team will guide you through the process, explain the procedure in detail, and ensure you're comfortable every step of the way.
Smith & Smith Endodontics Reviews
I am always made to feel at ease as I have a procedure completed. They are always friendly and helpful in explaining all that is going on.
Dr and staff very thorough and caring. Procedure went great. No pain. Definitely use them again if needed
If you need a Root Canal this is the place to go they are amazing
Dr. Smith was so thorough when she spoke with me about my options I had moving forward regarding my tooth. She answered all the questions I had with such detail and was so kind. I’m so thankful for her!!
All of the people with whom I interacted at Smith & Smith were pleasant, cordial, and respectful. I especially enjoyed my visit with Dr. Wilder Smith and the young lady who worked with him during my procedure. Both of them told me every move they were making during my procedure. They went above and beyond the call of duty to make me comfortable and complete my dental work with the utmost level of perfection. I would certainly return to Dr. Smith and his team if I ever needed such dental work again.B. J. B.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get an apicoectomy while pregnant?
Apicoectomies are generally postponed until after pregnancy whenever possible. However, if a serious infection is causing significant pain or threatens your oral health, treatment may be recommended because untreated dental infections can also pose risks. Our team will carefully weigh the benefits and timing of treatment and coordinate your care to prioritize the health of both you and your baby.
How bad is the pain during an apicoectomy?
Most patients are surprised that the procedure itself is more comfortable than they expected. Local anesthesia is used to thoroughly numb the area, so you should feel pressure or movement rather than pain during treatment. Afterward, it's common to experience mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness for a few days, but these symptoms are typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and gradually improve as healing progresses.
Can you have a repeat apicoectomy?
In certain situations, yes, although it depends on why the original procedure was unsuccessful and whether the tooth can still be predictably saved. Our team will carefully evaluate the tooth using advanced imaging and discuss whether a second apicoectomy, another treatment option, or extraction offers the best long-term prognosis.
What if I choose not to have an apicoectomy?
If untreated, the infection may worsen, causing pain, swelling, or bone loss. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Is apicoectomy a permanent solution?
If successful, it can preserve the tooth for many years or even a lifetime. Success rates are high, especially when the rest of the tooth is healthy.
Can an apicoectomy fail?
In rare cases, the infection may return or healing may not occur as expected. If that happens, retreatment or extraction might be necessary.
Lasting Relief
If you're dealing with persistent tooth pain or infection, an apicoectomy might be the solution you need. At Smith & Smith Endodontics in Florence, AL, Drs. Wilder and Carol Smith specialize in this effective procedure that can save your tooth and restore your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward long-lasting dental health!