Endodontic Surgery (root canal)
Endodontic (root canal) surgery, called an apicoectomy, can be done when a root canal treated tooth gets infected or abscessed. This can happen when the root canal seal at the root tip leaks or when small root canal branches cannot be sealed. An apicoectomy is done to get rid of the infection and to try and save the tooth, which otherwise would have to be removed. The apicoectomy procedure is usually successful, but not always. Sometimes a tooth is too compromised for a successful outcome.
In performing an apicoectomy, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone near the end of the root. An access opening is made through the bone to expose the root end. The infected tissue is removed along with the root tip end. A root canal sealant is usually placed into the root end to prevent leakage and infection. The gum is then sutured back to place. The bone around the root heals over a period of months, at which time an x-ray is taken to verify success.
In performing an apicoectomy, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone near the end of the root. An access opening is made through the bone to expose the root end. The infected tissue is removed along with the root tip end. A root canal sealant is usually placed into the root end to prevent leakage and infection. The gum is then sutured back to place. The bone around the root heals over a period of months, at which time an x-ray is taken to verify success.