Endodontic Procedures:
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Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
Generally, root canal treatment is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical
procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used
to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still allow infection to persist in an around the
tooth. Furthermore, it is possible that cyst may form around the tip of the root. Endodontic surgery allows for that cyst to be
removed so the bone in the area can heal normally.
Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery
used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy? The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. Under complete local anesthesia, 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.
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A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the root and the gum
is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
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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.
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