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What Is an Apicoectomy?
A typical dental procedure known as an apicoectomy involves the removal of irritated gum tissue and the tip of the tooth’s root, while the top of the tooth remains untouched. This technique is sometimes referred to as a root-end resection as it specifically targets the apex or end of the root.
Why is Apicoectomy used?
The process is usually suggested when a regular root canal treatment has been done on a tooth but is not enough to salvage the tooth and avoid additional problems.
If there is a concern with the positioning of a root tip, such as when one root is pressing against another, performing an apicoectomy can be beneficial in avoiding future issues that might affect multiple teeth.
If your dentist suggests an apicoectomy, it means that there is no other option but to remove your entire tooth. If this is the case, you would require an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to prevent the adjacent teeth from moving out of place.
How does an Apicoectomy differ from Root Canal Surgery?
An apicoectomy is distinguishable from root canal surgery.
During a root canal treatment, the dentist will open your tooth to eliminate infected pulp. Pulp is the inner soft tissue of the tooth that consists of nerves, blood vessels, and cells which maintain the health and functionality of your teeth. If this pulp becomes infected, it is necessary to have a root canal procedure to extract the damaged tissue, cleanse the roots, and seal the tooth.
An apicoectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of only the tip of the tooth’s root. It is usually conducted after a root canal treatment has already been completed on the tooth.
Benefits of an Apicoectomy
One important advantage of undergoing an apicoectomy is the potential to preserve your natural tooth. In spite of the numerous choices available for replacing teeth nowadays, keeping your original tooth is the most optimal solution for upholding the wellbeing, functionality, and aesthetics of your overall dental structure.
The Purpose of an Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is conducted to rescue the tooth from extraction and preserve its presence. Your dentist may suggest an apicoectomy for various reasons.
If a root canal was previously performed but there was improper healing of the surrounding area or if the tissue has become infected or damaged again, an apicoectomy is often necessary. Sometimes, there may be lingering inflammation or infection that was not resolved by the root canal. In such situations, an apicoectomy is needed to remove the tip of the root and the infected tissue around it to avoid any further complications.
Additionally, an apicoectomy may be suggested for the purpose of:
- Find the origin of an issue that cannot be observed on an X-ray, such as a tooth that is not tightly attached or a broken bone that is not visible.
- Take out the roots that are too close together and causing overcrowding.
- Treat damaged root surfaces
Preparation
Prior to your apicoectomy surgery, you may be provided with:
- An appointment with your dentist to discuss your situation
- Radiographs of your impacted tooth and the neighboring bone
- Precautions before the procedure, such as using mouthwash with antimicrobial properties, taking anti-inflammatory medication, or antibiotics
- An evaluation of your medical background, encompassing both your previous and current health issues as well as a inventory of the drugs you are taking.
What’s the procedure like?
Here is a detailed explanation of the process itself:
- Before starting the procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area of the tooth that is impacted.
- While performing the treatment, your dentist or endodontist will make an incision in your gum and move the gum tissue aside to access the root. Typically, only a small portion of the root is extracted along with any infected tissue around it.
- Once the tip of the root is extracted, the internal part of the tooth known as the root canal is thoroughly cleansed and sealed using a small filling to avoid any potential infection in the future. Subsequently, your dentist or endodontist might perform an additional X-ray to ensure the health of your tooth and jaw, and to verify the absence of any gaps that could potentially lead to another infection.
- Afterwards, the gum will be stitched up to facilitate healing and regrowth. Gradually, the jawbone will also recover and envelop the filling at the root’s end. The procedure should not result in significant pain or discomfort for you.
The duration of an apicoectomy typically ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, and it can vary depending on the tooth’s position and the complexity of its root structure.
Post-Apicoectomy Recovery and Care
This process should not result in any significant discomfort and can be conducted at a dental clinic. It does not necessitate the use of general anesthesia, allowing you to drive home soon after.
After going through the procedure, you might experience some discomfort or minor swelling during the healing process. This is a common occurrence for any surgical procedure. To help you manage the pain, we will provide guidance on the most effective medications and precautions to take as you heal.
After the procedure, you may have some slight bleeding for a period of 1-2 hours. To reduce blood flow, it is advisable to rest with your head raised. If desired, you can take over-the-counter painkillers as advised by your dentist. Additionally, your dentist might suggest taking antibiotics to prevent any infection after the surgery.
In order to avoid disturbing the stitches, it is important to brush and floss your teeth as you usually would, but take extra caution around the treated area. Another way to clean your mouth is by gently rinsing it with warm saltwater, which helps eliminate any leftover bacteria. After a day or two, you should be able to resume your regular activities, and the stitches will be taken out within a week.
What to Expect After an Apicoectomy
Once you undergo an apicoectomy, you can anticipate experiencing the subsequent side effects directly after the surgery:
- Swelling after the surgery
- Post-surgery bleeding
- Side effects of pain medications after an apicoectomy may include feeling dizzy and experiencing fatigue.
It is of utmost importance to follow the instructions given by your endodontist in order to properly care for your teeth after surgery. These instructions consist of the following actions:
- Taking prescriptions as directed
- Cleaning the area regularly
- Avoiding irritating the area
- Adjusting your diet as directed
- To prevent falls or injuries to the mouth, it is important to steer clear of situations and activities that could potentially lead to such accidents.
Treatment in Türkiye:
The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors, and consultants at REHABTÜRK can provide the best treatment options and free consultations, striving to stay up-to-date on the latest medical technologies and methods.
