Apicoectomy

Save Your Tooth from Extraction and Preserve Your Oral Health with an Apicoectomy

A root canal treats an infected or badly damaged tooth. However, sometimes, you need more than a standard root canal. If your root canal-treated tooth becomes re-infected and cannot be re-treated, Kelli Brady, DDS, will recommend an apicoectomy to give your tooth a second chance.

Also known as a root-end resection, an apicoectomy removes the tooth’s tip (apex) to prevent the spread of the infection, saving your tooth from extraction. If you think an apicoectomy is suitable for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Today, Kelli Brady is in Norwood, New Jersey, or New York, NY.

The apicoectomy procedure explained

The procedure starts with closely examining the tooth using digital X-rays and 3D scans. The objective is to visualize your tooth's anatomy and whether the surrounding tissues are intact.

Before surgery, the dentist will numb your gums with powerful local anesthetics to ensure you don't feel any pain during treatment. The dentist will then make a small incision on the gums using microsurgical instruments to access the tooth root. Next, we'll remove the tooth's apex as well as other inflamed tissues.

We will then clean the area thoroughly to remove any traces of bacteria and seal the tip with a biocompatible material to prevent re-infection. The final step is to close the gum incision with a few stitches. Over the next few months, the jawbone grows around the tooth to restore optimal function.  

Post-apicoectomy recovery and care

Immediately after treatment, you may experience mild swelling and discomfort as the gums heal. Don't worry, though! We'll give you medications and home remedies to manage your discomfort. We'll also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your treatment progress.