- What Is An Apicoectomy?
- What Are the Benefits of Apicoectomy?
- How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
- What Can I Expect When Recovering from an Apicoectomy?
- Memphis Endodontics Reviews
- Who Is a Candidate for Apicoectomy?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preserve Your Tooth
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is An Apicoectomy?
A root canal removes the infection from a tooth, but the root of the tooth has multiple tiny branches where the infection may hide or return. If a tooth is still infected or gets another infection after a root canal has been completed, an apicoectomy may be suggested. Drs. Harris, Wells, Scott, Cain, Dagen, and McCreary perform this procedure at Memphis Endodontics. An apicoectomy takes out any infected tissue along the tooth's root, in addition to the affected root tip(s). Also known as a root-end resection or endodontic microsurgery, an apicoectomy may save the upper portion of the tooth to avoid disturbing a restoration, like a bridge or crown. After one (or more than one) root canal, contact Memphis Endodontics at one of our locations in Kirby, Collierville, Bartlett, or Memphis, TN to get a better solution with an apicoectomy.
What Are the Benefits of Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy offers several benefits for preserving your natural tooth and preventing further dental issues:
- Eliminates Persistent Infection: Targets and removes the infected tissue at the root tip, resolving ongoing infection
- Saves the Natural Tooth: Helps preserve the natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for extraction
- Prevents Future Complications: Reduces the risk of future dental issues by sealing the root canal and preventing reinfection
- Minimally Invasive: Typically performed with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time
How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
Prior to performing a treatment, one of our team members will assess your mouth and then discuss your choices before deciding on an apicoectomy. To start the treatment, local anesthesia will be used. Other sedation techniques may be available depending on the complexity of your treatment or if you have dental anxiety and fears. One of our endodontic specialists will begin by creating an incision in your gum tissue to expose the root of the tooth. The infected tissue and root tip will be addressed before the area is carefully and thoroughly cleaned. To ensure the infection is completely removed, a dental dye can highlight cracks in your tooth. As soon as your tooth is sealed, we will close the gums using sutures.
What Can I Expect When Recovering from an Apicoectomy?
Following the procedure, you may get a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics. You can apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation for the first day after your apicoectomy. You might have some soreness, bruising, or numbness for 3 – 5 days. We will give you instructions for your recovery. For faster healing, you should avoid aggressive cleaning and hard foods. You may need to come back to our office in a few days to have your stitches taken out. Typically, your teeth and gums should heal around two weeks after the apicoectomy. To minimize further problems, you should follow an oral care routine at home with frequent brushing and flossing. In addition, you need to go to yearly dental examinations and twice yearly cleanings at Memphis Endodontics, so we can monitor your dental health and treat problems early.
Memphis Endodontics Reviews
Dr. Scott did an amazing job with both root canals. I'll never let a regular dentist perform a root canal again. Memphis Endodontics Park and Mt Moriah location is the best in town. The staff on White Station is superb! They are kind, caring and considerate. Tara is an angel. Raven is a sweetie pie and Stacy is that girl! Dr. Scott you and your team got me for life!
Painstaking work! Good referral network. - Dr. Cain worked on my injured tooth steadily & very carefully, as if nothing else he did was more important. I also appreciated his excellent communication & important info-sharing with my regular dentist, Dr. Underwood.
Dr. Wells and Raven were great. They did a fantastic job explaining the options and the procedure. The procedure was painless. Thank you!
Nothing short of excellence. Patient experience is top notch! Dr.Wells and Raven are both stellar people!
Dr. Bryce and his staff are the kindest, most professional and extremely knowledgeable people I’ve ever dealt with. You can have confidence and peace of mind that you’re in the best hands around when you’re in their care. I highly recommend!
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Who Is a Candidate for Apicoectomy?
Candidates for an apicoectomy should have already had a root canal treatment, but the infection has remained or returned in the root tips. When you have a root canal, a bridge or crown may be placed to strengthen and protect the tooth. This can make another root canal or retreatment difficult if an infection is found since it could weaken or destroy the crown or bridge. In these cases, an apicoectomy at Memphis Endodontics may be the best treatment to remove the existing infection while also preventing other infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery time after an apicoectomy?
Recovery time can vary, but most patients experience improvement within a few days to a week. You may have some swelling and discomfort, but following your dentist's aftercare instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery.
Are there any risks or complications associated with an apicoectomy?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding teeth or nerves. However, these complications are rare, and your dentist will discuss any concerns with you prior to the procedure.
Will I still need follow-up treatments after an apicoectomy?
Follow-up appointments are typically necessary to monitor healing and ensure that the infection has resolved. Your dentist will provide guidance on any additional treatments or dental care needed after the procedure.
Preserve Your Tooth
If your tooth becomes reinfected after one or more root canals, an apicoectomy at Memphis Endodontics could be the ideal solution. This procedure effectively removes the infection from the tips of the tooth root without disturbing any dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges. For more information, contact one of our offices in or around Memphis, TN to schedule a consultation with one of our endodontic specialists.