Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure which offers a 95% success rate. However, although it is unlikely, a root canal could fail. Fortunately, a failed root canal doesn’t mean extraction. If your root canal fails, an endodontist can perform an apicoectomy surgery.
What is an apicoectomy, and what does the recovery process look like? As you continue reading, you’ll find that this guide addresses many questions pertaining to this procedure. You’ll learn how to tell if you need an apicoectomy, the details of the procedure, information about apicoectomy recovery time, and much more.
Dr. Burton Waxman, Dr. Lina Jarboe, and the team at Access Endodontics offer apicoectomy surgeries to any patients looking to preserve their teeth after a failed root canal. Call us today at 410.304.7226 for more information.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy procedure is often performed following a failed root canal. Root canals are a procedure designed to remove the infected dental pulp from a tooth to avoid extraction. If the infection returns after the root canal has been performed, an apicoectomy surgery may be the only option to preserve the tooth.
This procedure involves removing the very tip of the tooth root. This area can be particularly difficult for your endodontist to properly clean during a root canal treatment. With the tip of the tooth root removed and the remaining space filled with a special biocompatible material, the likelihood of the infection returning is drastically reduced.
How Do I Know I Need an Apicoectomy?
The following are signs that signal you may need apicoectomy surgery:
- You’re still experiencing tooth pain after a root canal
- Inflammation does not subside following a root canal
- The infection returns months to years after a root canal
- Your dentist determines a root canal to be impractical
The idea of going through another surgical procedure on your tooth may be worrisome, but it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Contact your dentist today if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms following a root canal procedure.
What Is Apicoectomy Recovery Like?
For many people, concerns about how they will feel post procedure is the first thing they think about after learning they need dental surgery. Fortunately, for many dental procedures, advances made in dentistry within the past several years allow for less discomfort and faster recovery periods. Including apicoectomy recovery.
Although the procedure will require some stitches, recovery after apicoectomy surgery is generally quick. Post surgery, you’ll experience some sensitivity and discomfort. You’ll be instructed to avoid some foods, alcohol, tobacco and consuming anything that is very hot or very cold. Fortunately, you’ll be able to eat and drink normally again soon after the procedure.
Our team will prescribe antibiotics after the procedure. We may also prescribe pain-relieving medication or suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever to aid you with your recovery after apicoectomy surgery.
What Is the Apicoectomy Recovery Timeline?
Apicoectomy recovery time will vary somewhat depending on the patient and their particular circumstances, but most patients can expect the stitches to be removed between two and seven days following the procedure. For many patients, the swelling lasts about two weeks.
Explore Apicoectomy Surgery with Access Endodontics
Have you had a root canal that has not resolved your dental problems? If you believe that you need apicoectomy surgery, speak to your dentist or contact Dr. Burton Waxman and Dr. Lina Jarboe at Access Endodontics today by calling 410.304.7226 to schedule your appointment.