What Is an Apicoectomy and How Is It Performed?
Though the word may
sound unfamiliar, apicoectomy is actually a very common procedure, and if
you've had a root canal, you may have had an apicoectomy as well. So what
exactly is an apicoectomy, and why is it used?
The Structure of Your Teeth
Common known, teeth
are connected to the jawbone by roots. Most teeth have one root, but larger
teeth, like molars and premolars, have two or more. The end of each root
(otherwise known as the apex) is the canal through which nerves and blood
vessels funnel into the pulp of the tooth. If there is an infection of the canal tissue or the
pulp, a root canal treatment is needed. Your dentist will use a file to clean
the infected tissue from these canals. Due to the complex nature of the canals,
with many smaller parts branching off, it isn't uncommon for a small piece of
infected tissue to be left behind. Sometimes the remaining infected tissue can
prevent healing or cause another infection in the future. This is where the apicoectomy
comes in.
Indications for an Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is done
on a microscopic scale, and thus requires an experienced oral surgeon with
advanced training. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the tip, or apex, of
the root and seal off the canal. This makes it impossible for the infection to
travel back through the canal again. The surgery is initiated when the previous
root canal has failed, resulting in re-infection, or when your dentist doesn't
want to weaken the crown of your tooth with a secondary root canal. Apicoectomies
can also be performed to diagnose persistent tooth issues with unknown causes.
By examining the entire root of the tooth, your dentist can identify the
problem. If you have other damage to the surface of the root or bone
surrounding the tooth, your dentist may want to perform the surgery.
How an Apicoectomy Is Performed
The oral surgeon will
use a tool to make a tiny incision in your gum. They will then lift your gum up
and away from the tooth, and may use a drill to access the root. Using a dental
microscope and an ultrasonic light, the surgeon
will remove the rest of the infected tissue and clean and seal off the
remainder of the root's canal. Afterwards, the gum tissue will be stitched back
into place. Anpicoectomies usually only take 30-90 minutes, depending on the
complexity of your root canals. Aftercare entails the same procedures as with
any oral surgery, being careful not to brush hard, eating soft foods, and
taking OTC pain medication.
Contact us for any other questions regarding this at Solace Oral Surgery, 615-320-1392
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