SOMETIMES THE BEST way to save a tooth is by removing the tip of the root. That tissue can become infected (or even reinfected if a root canal was already performed on it), at which point it’s important to clear it out.
This surgery is highly specialized and can be performed on patients of any age to save an at-risk tooth, including kids. It is often recommended if a previous treatment was unsuccessful and normal retreatment isn’t possible. Apicoectomies are some teeth’s only chance to avoid extraction.
At our endodontic practice, we prioritize patient comfort and we understand that the prospect of undergoing any type of procedure can cause some anxiety. The best way to combat that pre-surgery anxiety is with information, so here are the typical steps to an apicoectomy procedure:
1. We inject a local anesthetic into the area around the infected tissue.
2. We open the gum tissue around the affected tooth.
3. We remove the inflamed or infected tissue and root tip.
4. We use a filling material to seal the end of the root.
5. We apply a few stitches or sutures to help the tooth and gums heal.
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