In most cases, we stop a dental infection with a root canal. If a tooth hurts following retreatment, we can then offer a retreatment. But! What if the infection is located in the tips of the roots? In a situation like this, your team at Omni Endo in El Paso, TX, talks about the need for an apicoectomy, or a root canal surgery, for a more direct and effective treatment.
The Need for Root Canal Surgery
When the infection forms in the interior of your tooth, we can usually help with a traditional root canal. We numb the tooth, open it, and remove the tissues from within, replacing them with a special restorative material before we cap the tooth with a crown. But if the infection is located at the tips of the roots, then we may opt for a more direct option.
The Apicoectomy Procedure
Our team will begin by taking digital x-rays of your smile to assess the position and severity of your issue, so we can plan treatment in detail. If the infection is located deep in the roots, we will offer an apicoectomy. Instead of trying to reach this through the interior of the tooth and root canals, we will numb the gums near the roots and open the tissues. We then remove the root tips and extract the tissues. We then add a special medicated material and seal the tip of the root. Finally, we suture the area closed. The process takes one visit and brings instant relief. You then avoid the risk of infection spreading to other teeth or into the jawbone itself.
Protecting Your Tooth
While we are ready to take on infected teeth with an endodontic treatment, we would also like to help you avoid the need for a root canal if possible! Which is why we urge you to see your general dentist every six months for a cleaning, so you can avoid decay and more. At home, be sure you avoid too much sugar and starch in your diet, and be sure you brush and floss daily too. If you have any questions about how we keep your smile full and comfortable with a root canal, or about our approach to root canal surgery, then please reach out to our team today. We want to help you avoid discomfort and the risk of tooth loss with endodontic treatment!
Call Omni Endo for a Root-End Resection
Our team wants to help treat serious issues and stop the risk of losing a tooth entirely. To find out more about stopping the infected teeth, call Omni Endo in El Paso, TX, call 915.990.3636 today. We want to help you enjoy a complete smile and one free of discomfort!
