A traditional root canal can treat most cases of infection to bring relief and help you avoid tooth loss. But in cases where dental infection forms in the tip of the root, you may need a more involved procedure. In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about how we save smiles with an apicoectomy.
The Signs of an Infected Tooth
An infected tooth occurs when the sensitive pulp at the center of the tooth and in the root canals is exposed to harmful oral bacteria. The exposure could occur due to an untreated cavity, or as a result of an injury to the tooth. When the infection arises, you could experience pain in the tooth, face, or jaw. There could be a discharge from the tooth, swelling, and pain when you bite down or chew. Don’t ignore these symptoms, talk to our team right away. Otherwise, you risk losing the tooth and allowing infection to spread to other parts of the smile.
When You Need Endodontic Surgery
With a traditional root canal, the infection occurs in the pulp and we simply open the tooth to remove the tissues, clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative filling, and then cap the tooth with a custom crown. However, if the infection occurs in the center of the tooth, but at the tip of the root canals, then a traditional option may not be the best choice. Instead, we could recommend an apicoectomy, also known as root canal surgery, to stop discomfort and protect your tooth from being lost.
The Apicoectomy
The procedure could be recommended due to infection at the tips of the root canals, which could sometimes occur in a treated tooth when there is contamination. Sometimes called a root-end resection, this involves our team numbing the area being treated and then opening the gum tissues near the root so we can access it. We then remove all the inflamed tissues, and place a small filling at the end of the root canal. You then return to your normal routine after a day or two of rest. We could also use the surgical procedure to remove calcium deposits in the interior of the tooth that stand in the way of treatment.
If you have any questions about a root-end resection, or if you have an aching tooth that has been treated before, then reach out to our team to talk about the apicoectomy. We want to bring relief and preserve your smile for years to come!
Ready to Protect Your Smile from Tooth Loss?
Our root canal surgery can help prevent tooth loss so your smile stays comfortable and whole. To schedule an appointment at My Dentist in Londonderry, NH, call 603-965-3407.
