5 Important Facts About Apicoectomies

Have you been struggling with tooth pain, but you can’t seem to figure out why? Maybe you’ve had a root canal and that still didn’t fix it. It may seem like extraction is the only option to get relief. However, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, PA specializes in endodontics and his team of specialists can help you kick that tooth pain with an apicoectomy.

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the complex care of the tooth. Specifically, it works with your tooth pulp, or the inside of your tooth, and the root tissues. 

If you’re having tooth pain, and the reason is not clear on an X-ray, an endodontic procedure can help get to the bottom of it. 

An apicoectomy is a type of endodontic procedure that can help save your tooth from infection and keep complications from coming up later.

What you need to know about apicoectomies

Before getting an apicoectomy, our team wants you to have all the information before moving forward. 

1. The reason they’re necessary

Simply put, apicoectomies are ways to save your natural tooth without having to pull it. A recent study showed that apicoectomies are a reliable way to save teeth that are affected by infection or other root problems and have a 91% success rate.

2. How it works 

Your provider makes an incision in your gum line to reveal the bone and removes any damaged tissue and the tip of the root. Afterwards, your dentist places a filling to help prevent further infection before closing up the incision.

3. It’s a minor procedure

You may experience small amounts of discomfort after your apicoectomy, but nothing that over-the-counter pain medication won’t be able to take care of. You are also able to drive yourself home after it’s over.

4. It’s different from a root canal

Even though both procedures are typically done by an endodontist, your provider performs an apicoectomy after a root canal is found to be ineffective in order to save your tooth. A root canal deals with just the pulp inside the tooth, but an apicoectomy works mostly at the root of the tooth to help get rid of any abscesses or look for tiny fractures that may be causing your tooth pain.

5. They are long lasting

If you have an apicoectomy done, it’s unlikely you would need another one for quite some time. Studies show that 97% of apicoectomies last 5 years and up to 75% last 13 years. 

Saving your natural teeth is important for your health and overall quality of life. An apicoectomy may prevent the need to have any of your teeth pulled, which can often lead to further complications down the road.

If you have been having tooth pain that is not subsiding or have had an unsuccessful root canal, contact us for a consultation to see if an apicoectomy or other endodontic procedures might be the right choice for you.