What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An apicoectomy is a small surgery that treats infection at the very tip of a tooth root when a root canal alone cannot clear it. If a treated tooth still aches, an apicoectomy with our Grand Rapids, MI endodontic dentists may let you keep that tooth.
Here's what you need to know before your consultation.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
The word "apex" means the tip of the root, and "ectomy" means removal. Dentists also call it root end surgery.
Your dentist removes the infected root tip and the inflamed tissue around it, then seals the end of the root. Over the following months, the bone heals around the tooth.
Why a Root Canal Is Sometimes Not Enough
Most teeth heal well after root canal therapy. Still, tiny side canals, a curved root or a hidden crack may leave bacteria behind near the tip.
When that happens, a dentist may first with a second root canal. An apicoectomy comes in when retreatment is not possible or has not worked.
Signs a Treated Tooth Still Needs Help
A failed root canal does not always hurt. Your dentist may spot a dark area around the root tip on an X-ray at a routine visit.
Other times, you may notice warning signs like these:
- Pain when you bite down on a tooth that already had a root canal
- Swelling or a small pimple on the gum near that tooth
- A bad taste or tenderness that keeps coming back
Many of these overlap with the signs of an infected tooth. Do not wait for the pain to get worse.
What Happens During the Procedure
First, the area is numbed. Your dentist then opens the gum near the root, removes the infected tissue and root tip, and places a small filling to seal the end.
A few stitches close the gum. At Bander Dental Group, the procedure is usually done in one office visit of under two hours.
Apicoectomy Recovery
Most people feel mild soreness and swelling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine, used as directed, usually handles it.
Eat soft foods, avoid smoking and straws, and keep your brush away from the stitches at first. If you need relief before your visit, try these tips on easing a toothache fast.
Is Saving the Tooth Worth It?
Results are encouraging. Research summarized by Healthline found that about up to five years later.
The main alternative is pulling the tooth and replacing it. Our guide to crowns, implants, dentures and bridges covers those options.
Still, a healthy natural tooth is usually the first choice because it keeps your bite, bone and nearby teeth working the way they should. You can read more about root and pulp care on our endodontics page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an apicoectomy painful?
The procedure itself should not hurt, because the area is fully numbed before your dentist begins. Afterward, most people describe mild soreness and some swelling that fades over a few days.
Healthline notes that over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine is usually enough, and many patients need very little pain relief at all.
Can I be sedated for an apicoectomy at Bander Dental Group?
Yes, comfort options are part of the plan. Before your apicoectomy, our dentists review your medical history and talk with you about anesthesia, and Bander Dental Group also offers sedation dentistry for patients who feel nervous.
Let the team know about any worries when you book. They can help you choose the option that fits your health and comfort level.
What should I eat after an apicoectomy?
Stick with soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, soup and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid hard, crunchy or very hot foods near the stitches.
Bander Dental Group also asks patients not to smoke or use straws while the stitches heal. The suction can disturb the area and slow healing.
How long does numbness last after an apicoectomy?
Most numbness wears off within hours, like a regular filling visit. Some patients notice lingering numbness near the treated area, and Bander Dental Group notes it should go away on its own in a week or two.
Call the office right away if you have heavy bleeding, discharge or a fever. Those signs need a prompt check, even if the numbness is fading normally.
What are the alternatives to an apicoectomy?
The usual alternatives are a second root canal or removing the tooth. Retreatment works when your dentist can reach the canals again, while extraction means you will need a replacement such as an implant, bridge or partial denture.
The American Dental Association notes that treatment to save the natural tooth can let it last a lifetime with proper care.
Schedule Your Apicoectomy Consultation
If a tooth that had a root canal is acting up, an apicoectomy may save it. Call Bander Dental Group today at (616) 949-5980 or request an appointment online with our Grand Rapids, MI family dentists.