When a nonsurgical root canal procedure alone cannot save your tooth, Dr. Morio may recommend a type of endodontic therapy called endodontic microsurgery, also known as apicoectomy, that carefully accesses the canals of your tooth through the tip of the tooth’s root (called the apex). This type of delicate oral surgery is performed under a powerful microscope in the comfort of our Hiawatha, IA, practice under local anesthesia, or if you have significant anxiety about dental procedures, we may decide to perform your apicoectomy under IV sedation in our partner practice nearby.
When a root canal has failed to heal the infection in the tooth, apicoectomy ensures that the tooth root does not develop additional infections or complications that would result in extraction. During the procedure, your endodontist will use an operating microscope to carefully remove the tip of the root of the tooth, along with the infected tissue. Next, the tooth’s canal will be cleaned and sealed closed. Dr. Morio will examine your condition carefully before performing this procedure and may take X-rays or 3D scans to find out if there are any breaks or cracks in the tooth. If breaks and cracks are found, an apicoectomy is not possible, and extraction may be the next course of action. If extraction is recommended, you will be referred to an oral surgeon for the removal of your tooth and to discuss your options for a tooth restoration, such as a dental implant or a bridge.
Why do I need an apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is an advanced tooth-saving treatment that removes an infection from an affected tooth root so that the tooth does not need to be extracted. Some of the most common reasons you may require an apicoectomy include
- The complex root branches that connect to the tooth root and keep it anchored in the jaw were not completely cleaned and sealed during your initial root canal therapy, resulting in continued infection.
- You have curved or narrow root canals that have prevented the dentist or surgeon from properly treating the infected area.
- Your tooth has already undergone root canal therapy once, and debris from the procedure is blocking the root canal.
- There are cysts around the tooth that will need to be removed.
Your procedure will most likely take about 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the root structure, the position of the tooth in your mouth, and whether you’ve decided upon IV sedation or local anesthesia.
Apicoectomy in Hiawatha, IA
Although apicoectomy is a simple and relatively quick procedure, it is considered oral surgery and is a highly effective long-term solution that can allow you to keep your natural tooth for a lifetime. If a tooth that has recently had root canal treatment is causing you discomfort, or if a dental professional has recommended that you receive an apicoectomy, please contact Apex Endodontics to schedule a consultation with our trusted endodontist, Dr. Morio.