Apicoectomies & Endodontic Microsurgery – Jersey City, NJ
Protecting Your Smile from Infection
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate, but there is a possibility that a little bit of infected tissue will be left behind after the procedure. In many cases, we can address this issue and protect your oral health with a form of endodontic microsurgery known as apicoectomy. Have you recently had a root canal performed but think there may still be an issue with your tooth? Get in touch with Endodontic Group of Jersey City to schedule an appointment so that we can figure out the best way to protect your smile.
Why Choose Endodontic Group of Jersey City for Apicoectomies & Endodontic Microsurgery?
- Team of Skilled Endodontists
- Advanced Technology for More Comfortable Treatments
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
What Is an Apicoectomy?
To prevent the tooth in question from needing to be extracted, an apicoectomy may need to be performed to get rid of any inflamed or infected tissue in the area. We will also remove the tip of the root of the tooth.
We may find that an apicoectomy is required if there is a hole in the root of the tooth. It may also be a viable option if the tooth has become fractured. Rest assured that we will only suggest having an apicoectomy performed if we think your smile truly needs it.
The Apicoectomy Treatment Process
Naturally, step one is to use a local anesthetic to make sure your mouth stays numb during the procedure. Once that’s done, the gums will be opened so that we can access the roots of the affected tooth. Any infected tissue in the area will be removed along with the tips of the roots. We’ll also take the time to clean the inside of the tooth before we reseal it. Once the gums have been sutured shut, the procedure will be complete.
What Happens After My Apicoectomy?
There may be a little discomfort and swelling after your treatment, but it shouldn’t be anything you can’t handle with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. In some cases, you may need to take some prescription antibiotics to protect your smile from infection. Normally, you should be able to go back to your routine after a couple of days. Your post-treatment symptoms should fade over time; if they don’t, please call us right away to let us know.
Apicoectomy FAQs
When Is an Apicoectomy Necessary?
An apicoectomy may be performed after root canal therapy if the treated tooth did not heal properly. This procedure can be used to get rid of any remaining infected tissue and prevent the need for an extraction.
You might benefit from an apicoectomy if you are still experiencing pain or other symptoms after root canal therapy. It is also the standard treatment if we see evidence of damage to the tooth’s root or surrounding bone. If you believe you need this procedure, we encourage you to visit us for a consultation. After we examine you and take some images, we can advise you on your next steps.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from an Apicoectomy?
Most patients can go back to work within a few days, though soreness may linger for longer than that. Also, keep in mind that different patients heal at different rates, so do not try to rush anything. Get plenty of rest, take over-the-counter pain medications, and follow any other post-op instructions from our team. For most patients, the recovery process goes very smoothly, and they are able to get back into the swing of things in what seems like very little time.
What Are the Benefits of an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy can provide multiple benefits, the biggest of which is that it can allow you to keep your natural tooth. Therefore, it can spare you from the complications that can come with missing dentition, such as dental drift or embarrassment due to an incomplete smile. It can also save you from having to pay for tooth replacement.
Other benefits of an apicoectomy include:
- Even though it is more complex than regular root canal therapy, it is still a minimally invasive procedure.
- Apicoectomies have a success rate of over 90%.
- The treatment process is relatively comfortable.
Does an Apicoectomy Come with Any Risks?
An apicoectomy is generally a very safe treatment. However, just like any other dental or medical procedure, it is not totally risk-free. In rare cases, patients develop an infection or experience nerve damage. It is also rare for an apicoectomy to fail, which can lead to the need for a tooth extraction.
You can minimize risks associated with the procedure by entrusting your care to a qualified team and carefully following all of their instructions. Our practice’s four endodontists are highly skilled and take great care to optimize patient outcomes.
Can Apicoectomies Be Performed on Both Children and Adults?
Yes, this procedure may be recommended for either children or adults. Individuals of all age groups can benefit from it, and very often, the results are long-lasting. Apicoectomies may be performed on either baby teeth or permanent teeth.