If you’ve recently had a root canal procedure and you’re still experiencing pain in the same area, your dentist may recommend an apicoectomy surgery to try and fix the issue. While the idea of getting more dental work done may be anxiety-inducing, this might help: this dental procedure is a minor one that requires minimal recovery time.
What is an apicoectomy? It’s not among the most common dental procedures. However, it’s effective at relieving pain and restoring teeth to full functionality. To help our patients learn more, we’ve created this quick and easy guide to apicoectomy surgery, including why you might need one, what happens during the procedure, and what the recovery is like.
If you’d like to know more about apicoectomies after you’re done reading, contact Drs. Lina Jarboe and Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226. Our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.
The Facts About Apicoectomy Surgery
An apicoectomy surgery is a procedure that is most often performed in response to a root canal that has failed. There is a chance that not all of the infected tissues and dead nerves were removed. When left unchecked, a failed root canal can lead to the tooth becoming infected once more, leading to further complications. The apicoectomy is a procedure that removes the tip of the tooth root, otherwise known as the apex.
Do You Need an Apicoectomy?
When your dentist or endodontist recommends an apicoectomy, it’s often because the only alternative is the full removal of the problematic tooth. If your dental professional thinks your tooth is worth saving, then you should strongly consider this surgery. Remember that it is a minor procedure and the recovery window is very small. In fact, the recovery time from a tooth removal procedure is often longer.
What Is the Recovery Process?
There is very little recovery necessary from an apicoectomy procedure. After this minimally invasive and virtually pain-free procedure, many patients will feel well enough to continue their everyday activities in less than 24 hours. There will likely be some discomfort and a little swelling, but you should be healed and back to normal in no-time if you take your endodontist’s advice.
Is It Covered Under My Insurance?
Insurance coverage for apicoectomy surgery varies widely depending on the particular plan. Some plans can cover up to 90% of the procedure, while others may not cover it at all. Speak with your provider or insurance company before scheduling an apicoectomy to determine your eligibility.
The Apicoectomy Procedure
Here’s what to expect during your apicoectomy surgery:
- First, you will be given a local anesthetic in the affected area to numb the nerves. Your endodontist will then use special tools to cut into your gum to access your tooth’s root.
- At this point, your endodontist will remove the very tip, or apex, of the root as well as any remaining infected tissue from the failed root canal. They will then clean out the root canal and seal it with a small filling. This will prevent any additional infections from appearing in the future.
- Sometimes your endodontist might elect to take an additional X-ray to verify everything has been addressed. After that, your gum will be stitched up and left to heal. The entire process should take somewhere between thirty minutes to an hour and a half.
Schedule Your Apicoectomy at Access Endodontics
Now understanding apicoectomies and what’s involved, contact Drs. Lina Jarboe and Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226 or using the online form. Our services can quickly and efficiently relieve pain and help you get back to living a pain-free life.