A root canal can take on most dental infections to provide relief and protect the smile from the loss of a tooth. But our team knows that sometimes, a serious issue arises that needs more than a traditional root canal. In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about how we help save smiles with endodontic surgery.
The Risks of a Serious Infection
When you have an infection in the interior of your tooth, in the pulp and root canals, we can help with a root canal procedure. The procedure essentially involves opening the tooth to remove the tissues from within, we then replace with a new filling and cap the tooth with a custom and lifelike dental crown. But! In some cases, the infection doesn’t occur in the interior of your tooth. Instead, it is located at the tip of the tooth roots, which is more difficult to reach with a traditional root canal. Instead, you may need a root canal surgery, also known as apicoectomy.
The Apicoectomy
The procedure allows us to reach the tips of the roots directly, so we can conduct a more effective treatment and stop discomfort and the risk of tooth loss. Our team will take detailed digital x-rays to plan the procedure in detail, and then numb the area where we will open the gums. For anxious patients, we could also offer sedation to help them enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. We next open the gums to access the root and then remove the tip. This allows us to gently and accurately remove the infected tissues. We then seal the tip and close the area with sutures. You follow strict aftercare instructions, which can help the heal quickly so you return to your normal routine in as little as 24 to 48 hours in some cases.
Protecting Your Smile
Often, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of decay and infection, keeping your smile strong and healthy. For example, be sure you see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can monitor your smile for the signs of developing decay or infection, and treat the issue, often before you experience discomfort. At home, take time to brush and floss properly, cut back on the sugar in your diet, and avoid tobacco products. These actions help safeguard your smile and prevent issues that could threaten smile stability and cause pain.
If you have any questions about how we can save a tooth with a root canal surgery, or if you have painful symptoms that need attention, then contact our team today!
Do You Need an Apicoectomy?
With a root-end resection, we can take on complicated infections and protect your smile. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
