Apicoectomy is a surgical procedure performed by an endodontist or an oral surgeon to treat infections or persistent issues around the apex (tip) of a tooth's root. It is typically recommended when a conventional root canal treatment has failed to resolve the problem or when retreatment is not feasible. The procedure aims to remove infected tissue, seal the root tip, and prevent further infection or damage to surrounding tissues.
Indications for Apicoectomy: Several factors may
necessitate the need for an Apicoectomy, including:
1. Persistent
infection or inflammation in the area around the root tip.
2. Complications
following a root canal procedure, such as a fractured root or inadequate
sealing of the root canal.
3. Presence
of cysts or granulomas at the root tip.
4. Difficulty
in accessing the root canal system due to anatomical challenges or calcified
canals.
5. Retreatment Not Feasible: If the tooth has undergone multiple unsuccessful root canal treatments or has a compromised structure that cannot support further endodontic procedures, apicoectomy may be the preferred option to save the tooth.
Procedure:
Before the procedure, the dentist will conduct a
thorough examination, which may include X-rays and possibly a CBCT scan to
assess the tooth's anatomy and the extent of the infection. Once it's
determined that apicoectomy is necessary, the following steps are typically
involved:
1. Local
Anaesthesia: The area around the affected tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic
to ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure.
2. Access
and Visualization: The dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue near
the tooth to expose the underlying bone and the root tip. This provides access
to the infected area.
3. Root
Tip Removal: Using specialized instruments, the endodontist or oral surgeon
carefully removes the infected or damaged portion of the root tip along with
any surrounding infected tissue.
4. Root-End
Sealing: Once the root tip is removed, the dentist cleans and shapes the
root-end cavity before sealing it with a biocompatible material.
5. Bone
Grafting: In some patients additional bone grafting procedure is required as
well.
6. Suturing: The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured back in place to promote healing.
Recovery from an apicoectomy is generally swift, but patients may experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following the procedure. Pain medications may be prescribed to decrease discomfort and reduce swelling. It's essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by the dentist, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, maintaining good oral hygiene, and adhering to a soft diet during the initial healing phase.
At Teeth Care Centre, we have the best oral surgeons to perform
apicoectomy. To
completely remove any chances of reinfection we provide the option of laser
application as well.
