When you have an infected tooth, we usually protect the smile with a root canal procedure. But if the infection is in the tooth roots, or if a root is fractured or there are serious calcium deposits, you may need a more substantial treatment. In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about root canal surgery!
The Presence of a Serious Infection
Infected teeth can lead to serious pain, from toothaches to discomfort when you eat and bite down. There could be aches in the face and jaw, headaches, and even swelling or a discharge from the tooth itself. For most cases, we will provide root canal therapy to remove the infected tissues from within, replacing them with a restorative filling and capping the tooth with a lifelike crown. But in some cases, the infection could be located at the tips of the roots or there could be a fracture down the side of a root. Serious calcium deposits could also be present that complicate the traditional root canal process. When this happens, we can offer relief and prevent tooth loss with an apicoectomy.
The Apicoectomy
Our team will plan the procedure in detail with digital imaging technology, such as digital x-rays. We assess the location and severity of the infection so we know how to approach treatment. With root canal surgery, we will numb the area being treated and offer sedation to help you enter a state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the process at all.
Our team will then open the gums near the root tip, opening the tip to remove the infected tissues. We then add a medicated filling and cap the tip, suturing the area closed afterward. We do the same to access and treat fractures down the length of a root, or to reach and remove calcium deposits that could otherwise complicate treatment.
What Happens Next?
After we complete the process, you will need to rest for a day but can then return to your normal routine. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a proper healing period, so you can enjoy relief from pain and a full smile. If you have any questions about how we approach root canal surgery, or if you have pain in a tooth that needs attention, then reach out to our team today to learn more and start the treatment process.
Does Your Tooth Need a Root-End Resection?
With a safe and gentle surgical procedure, we can protect your smile from worsening pain and tooth loss, ensuring you continue to enjoy a full smile for years to come. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
