Modern technology and innovative techniques have drastically reduced the risks of most dental treatments while significantly increasing their efficacy. However, this doesn’t mean that procedures such as apicoectomies are 100% risk free. Therefore, you’ll want to consult with an endodontist to determine if an apicoectomy is the right procedure for you.
To understand the risks associated with an apicoectomy, we have created this guide to address the procedure and what to expect. It includes useful information about the procedure itself, as well as some detailed information regarding the potential dangers of apicoectomy treatment.
If you are in need of an apicoectomy procedure, Access Endodontics can help. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their team of dedicated dental professionals in Maryland can provide you with the compassionate care needed to save your teeth. Contact your dentist or reach out today at 410.304.7226 to learn more.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a procedure in which the tip of the tooth root is removed. It can be performed for a variety of reasons, but it is most often used in an attempt to save a tooth after a failed root canal. Other names for apicoectomy include retrograde root canal treatment and root-end resection.
Why You Might Need an Apicoectomy
As mentioned, an apicoectomy procedure is most often performed in response to a failed root canal, but there are a few other reasons why you might need one. Those reasons include:
- Tooth fracture
- Loose teeth due to bone loss
- Teeth with extra roots
- Calcium deposits in root canal
- An issue that X-rays could not identify
The best way to determine whether you need an apicoectomy procedure is to consult your dentist or endodontist. They can not only make a determination about whether an apicoectomy procedure might be helpful for you, but they can also help you assess the dangers of apicoectomy treatment and help you make an informed decision.
Risks of Apicoectomy Procedures
You may be asking, “what are the dangers of apicoectomy?” Below are the most significant apicoectomy risks for you to consider when deciding if an apicoectomy procedure is right for you.
The Procedure May Fail
If you suffer from dental anxiety and going through just one procedure is overwhelming, you should consider that an apicoectomy may not be successful. You would then need to go through at least one more procedure to address the issue. However, the apicoectomy procedure does have a 97% success rate after five years, so the odds are in your favor.
Sinus Infection
If you receive an apicoectomy on a tooth anywhere in your upper jaw, the infection has a chance of spreading to your sinus. While there’s no serious danger in a sinus infection, it can still be quite unpleasant to deal with while recovering from minor oral surgery. In order to treat the sinus infection, you’ll likely be prescribed some antibiotics, which come with their own considerations.
Nerve Damage
Some major nerves are quite close to some of the roots of the teeth in your lower jaw. During the procedure, there’s a chance that those nerves may be damaged. However, this issue is almost always avoided through simple X-rays, which help your endodontist locate those major nerves prior to your procedure.
Mitigate Apicoectomy Risks with Access Endodontics
One of the best ways to mitigate the risks in apicoectomy procedures is to choose an endodontist with knowledge, experience, and a dedication to compassionate care. If you’re looking for an endodontist like that, contact Access Endodontics today by calling 410.304.7226.