What is Endodontic Surgery?
In some cases, root canal therapy alone cannot save a tooth, and our doctors may suggest surgery. While there are many endodontic surgeries, the most common is an apicoectomy (also known as root-end resection). This procedure, done following a root canal, treats the bony area surrounding the end of your tooth, which has become inflamed or infected. By folding back the gum near the tooth our doctors can access the underlying bone and extract the inflamed tissue. At the same time, the very tip of the root is removed and usually replaced with a small biocompatible plug or filling. Additional grafts, membranes or biopsy procedures may be done as well if necessary. Then the area is closed with small sutures. Eventually, the jaw surrounding the tooth will fill in with bone, supporting the tooth as before
Reasons
Surrounding bone root surfaces are damaged.
To diagnose problems, such as small fractures or root canals that do not appear on an X-ray, and are not recognized during root canal therapy.
Used alone or in conjunction with endodontic retreatment.
The only alternative is to have the tooth extracted. The extracted tooth space must be replaced by either implant & crown or other restorative alternatives to provide proper bite and functionality. These alternatives could be much more expensive and time consuming.