Apicoectomy in Knoxville, TN
Please note we may not offer this treatment at our office. Call us at (865) 687-8670 for more information.
Apicoectomies: A Vital Alternative to Root Canal Therapy
An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is a minor surgical procedure designed to save natural teeth when conventional root canal treatments fail. This advanced endodontic surgery removes the tip of the tooth’s root (known as the root end) and the surrounding infected tissue to prevent further complications.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or infection after a root canal treatment, an apicoectomy may offer relief and help preserve your oral health. Call our Knoxville, TN, dental office at (865) 687-8670 to learn more about this procedure.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, also called apical microsurgery, is a dental procedure performed when a root canal treatment doesn’t fully heal the affected tooth. While root canal therapy is designed to clean and seal the tooth’s interior, complications such as inflamed or infected tissue at the root tip may persist.
During an apicoectomy, your endodontist removes the root tip and cleans the surrounding bone and gum tissue to ensure all infection is eliminated. A small filling, called a root-end filling, is placed to seal the tooth’s canal and prevent further infections.
Benefits of Apicoectomy
This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages:
- Saves At-Risk Teeth: Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option for maintaining overall oral health and avoiding removable partial dentures.
- Minimally Invasive: The surgery requires only a small incision in the gum tissue, reducing recovery time and discomfort.
- High Success Rates: Apicoectomies boast success rates of over 90% when proper care is followed.
- Short Recovery Time: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is typically recommended in the following scenarios:
- Persistent Infection: If inflamed or infected tissue remains after a root canal procedure, this surgery may be necessary to remove the infection and promote healing.
- Complex Root Structures: Teeth with narrow or curved canals can be challenging to clean with standard root canal therapy.
- Proximity to Key Structures: If the affected tooth is near sensitive areas like nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy ensures precise treatment without risking damage.
- Bone Loss or Abscess: If the surrounding bone shows signs of deterioration or there’s an abscess at the root end, this procedure can address and treat the issue effectively.
The Apicoectomy Process
Apicoectomy is performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. In some cases, dental sedation may also be used to help patients feel more at ease.
What to Expect:
- Incision: Your endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to access the root.
- Removal of Infected Tissue: The root tip and any inflamed or infected tissue will be carefully removed.
- Root-End Filling: A biocompatible material is placed to seal the canal and prevent future infections.
- Sutures: The gum tissue is sutured back into place to promote healing.
The entire procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, you may experience minor bleeding, discomfort, or swelling, which can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow these recovery tips for the best outcome:
- Avoid eating on the side of the affected tooth until healing is complete.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, but avoid brushing directly on the surgical site until instructed otherwise.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Most patients report returning to their regular routines within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients heal within a few days to a week, although the surrounding bone may take longer to fully regenerate.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, and discomfort afterward is minimal and manageable with medication.
Many dental insurance plans cover this procedure when it is deemed medically necessary. Check with your provider to confirm coverage.
A root canal cleans and seals the tooth’s interior, while an apicoectomy addresses infection at the tip of the root when standard treatment has not succeeded.
Restore Your Oral Health with an Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a proven solution for saving natural teeth when other treatments have failed. This minimally invasive surgery effectively removes infection, relieves symptoms like tooth pain, and protects your oral health long-term.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or require an apicoectomy, contact our Knoxville, TN, dental office at (865) 687-8670 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Knoxville and nearby areas, including Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville.
