Should a tooth become infected, we could offer relief with a root canal procedure. But! What if the infection is located at the very tip of the roots? In this situation, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about how we use a root canal surgery, known as apicoectomy, to stop pain and preserve your smile!
Dental Infection and Tooth Loss
An infection means that harmful oral bacteria has made contact with the pulp, the living tissue that acts as the nerve center of your tooth. This usually forms in the main interior of the tooth, often as a result of an injury, teeth grinding, or an untreated cavity. We then use a root canal to remove these tissues and then replace them with a special filling before we cap the tooth with a crown. But! If the infection is localized in the tip of the roots, we may need to take a different approach.
Root Canal Surgery
An apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection, can allow us to reach the roots directly, instead of going through the main body of the tooth. Our team will use digital x-rays to plan the procedure in detail, identifying the exact position and severity of the infection. We then numb the area and may offer sedation so you feel comfortable and relaxed as we open the gums near the tip. We expose the tip of the root, removing it and extracting the tissues from within. We may add a medicated filling before we cap the tip. Finally, we suture the area closed, completing the procedure.
Ensuring Your Root-End Resection is Comfortable
We want to ensure your experience is a comfortable one, so we will offer local anesthesia directly to the area. We could also discuss dental sedation, which helps you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. When the process is complete, people need to rest for a day or two, but can then return to their normal routine. Few people complain about any post-surgery discomfort! You can then limit the risk of future infections with better brushing and flossing and visits to our team for a checkup and cleaning appointment.
If you have any questions about root canal surgery, or about root canal therapy in general, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you smile with confidence and enjoy your best possible smile!
Do You Need an Apicoectomy?
Our team can take on more severe infections and provide relief with a root canal surgery, so you can feel comfortable and avoid the loss of your tooth. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
