Apical Surgery Overview
Apical surgery refers to a surgical procedure that is sometimes required (in less than 2% of cases) to remove infection from the tip of the roots of a tooth. This is usually caused by embedded bacteria that colonise on the outside of the root or in the surrounding bone. This resistant disease process is usually caused by “biofilm” (dental plaque). Root tip resorption also sometimes calls for an apicectomy.
Apicectomy is a rare occurrence these days as the vast majority of root canal complications can be treated non-surgically through the tooth with the aid of cutting edge materials and the microscope that we have available here at Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic.
Another reason for this procedure would be damage to the root tip area caused by chronic infection or damage caused by a dentist when the initial root canal treatment was done. The root canal system is a delicate system and damage can easily occur if correct treatment protocols and skill are not applied.
What’s involved in an Apicectomy?
The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.