If you are experiencing pain in your tooth and the root canal therapy was not successful, you may need an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure performed by an endodontist that removes the tip of the root of the tooth. This procedure is often necessary when there is an infection at the end of the tooth's root. In this blog post, we will discuss what an apicoectomy is, what might lead to needing one and how Dr. Nieves can help with this procedure.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tip of the root of the tooth. This procedure is often necessary when there is an infection at the end of the tooth's root. The goal of an apicoectomy is to remove the infected tissue and to cleanse the area around the root so that it can heal properly.

The alternative to having an apicoectomy performed is removal of the teeth, so it's much, much better to have an apicoectomy than a tooth extraction! Dr. Nieves is in the business of saving teeth, so you'll be in good hands no matter what treatment route you might need.

What might lead to needing an apicoectomy?

There are several reasons why you might need an apicoectomy:

• Root canal therapy was not successful in treating the infection.

• There is an infection at the end of the tooth's root.

• The surrounding bone is damaged or diseased.

If the root canal therapy was not successful, the infection may have spread to the surrounding tissue. In some cases, the tooth may be severely damaged and the root may be fractured. In other cases, there may be a cyst or tumor at the end of the root. Dr. Nieves will work with your dentist to understand your dental history and make sure he fully understands how to approach the situation. Everyone's oral health is different, and our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools will help get the best treatment plan for everyone!

What happens during an apicoectomy procedure?

During an apicoectomy procedure, Dr. Nieves will numb the affected area and make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. The root of the tooth will be removed and the surrounding area will be thoroughly cleaned so that there's no risk of future infection or complications. In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to support the tooth. Once the procedure is complete, the incision will be closed with sutures.

What should I expect after an apicoectomy?

After an apicoectomy, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. You may also experience some numbness in your teeth and gums. These symptoms are normal and should resolve within a few days. It is important to take care of your mouth while it heals by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or crunchy foods.

Because an apicoectomy is a more complicated surgery than a typical root canal, you are more likely to experience moderate discomfort in the area where your surgery was performed. Oftentimes, we prescribe an antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory medication to prevent additional swelling and infection.

The good news is, most studies on patients post-apicoectomy show that 95% of procedures are successful for at least five years, so there's a high likelihood that you won't have to go through this again anytime soon so long as you continue to take great care of your teeth!

How can Dr. Nieves help with an apicoectomy?

Dr. Nieves is a highly skilled and experienced endodontist who has performed many apicoectomies. He will work with you to determine if an apicoectomy is necessary and, if so, he will perform the procedure in a gentle and efficient manner. After the procedure, he will provide you with instructions on how to care for the area so that it can heal properly.

If you are experiencing pain in your tooth and the root canal therapy was not successful, contact Granbury Endodontics today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nieves. He will work with you to determine if an apicoectomy is necessary and, if so, he will perform the procedure in a gentle and efficient manner. After the procedure, he will provide you with instructions on how to care for the area so that it can heal properly. Granbury Endodontics is here to help our patients through every step of their endodontic journey. Contact us today!