When a tooth develops a dental infection, this could be a source of discomfort and eventually, increase the risk of tooth loss. A root canal treatment offers relief for most cases. But if the issue is severe or located in the root tips, you may need an apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection or root canal surgery. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentist talks about helping smiles with an apicoectomy.
When Infection is In the Root Tips
As we mentioned above, with a traditional infection, this is located in the interior of the tooth. Our team conducts a root canal to open the tooth and remove these tissues, capping them with a special restorative filling before we cap the tooth with a custom crown. But if the infection is located at the tips of the roots, we may need a different approach to tackle the issue and prevent the need for retreatment down the road. Instead of traditional root canal, we could opt for root canal surgery to bring relief and protect your smile.
The Apicoectomy
Don’t worry, we have both local anesthesia and sedation on hand to ensure the process is a comfortable one for you. We want your experience to be a positive one, so you leave with a healthy smile and relief from discomfort, and don’t dread seeing us or your general dentist again. We will use digital imaging technology to plan the process in detail. When planning and implementing the procedure, we will use fiber optic lights, microscopes, ultrasonic tools, and advanced digital imaging.
We then open the gums near the root tips so we can access the root directly and remove the tip. We then take out the tissues and add a small filling over the root tip to seal it and protect the tooth from infection and discomfort. The procedure only takes one visit, and you can usually return to work or even drive yourself home afterward. The area will take about a day or two to heal fully.
Protecting Your Smile
You can take steps to help reduce the risk of an infected tooth or the need for retreatment. Be sure you follow our aftercare instructions and take any prescriptions we may provide, which ensures the area heals properly and protects your tooth. Make sure you brush and floss daily and see your general dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months as recommended. These actions help safeguard your smile. If you have any questions about the apicoectomy, or if you have pain in a tooth, then reach out to our team today for an appointment before the holidays are here!
Call Omni Endo for Root Canal Surgery
Our team is ready to take on more severe cases of infection to keep your smile whole and healthy. To find out more about the root-end resection, call Omni Endo in El Paso, TX, call 915.990.3636 today.
