Apicoectomy Specialist in Los Angeles, CA

Apicoectomies are considered minor dental procedures. Adults and children often undergo this procedure to save their teeth. The apicoectomy is a procedure in which inflamed gum tissue and the root of a tooth are removed, while the top of the tooth remains. This procedure is also called root-end resection since it works on the apex (tip) of the root.

Before an apicoectomy, you might have X-rays taken of your teeth and jaw. Using this method, your dentist can see what’s happening with the root canal, the roots, and any surrounding tissue and bone.

A needle will be inserted into your mouth before the procedure begins to numb the area. You will then be given a small cut in your gums around the tooth by your dentist. Infected tissue will be removed from the bone after it has been examined.

Depending on the situation, the end of the root will be removed and the root canal refilled. Afterward, they’ll stitch the gums to help them heal. The bone around the root will heal over time.

It is usually recommended when a standard root canal has not been sufficient to save a tooth and prevent further complications.

Apicoectomy may be recommended when there is an anatomical issue with the root tip, such as when one root crowds into the space of the root next to it.

If your dentist recommends an apicoectomy, it’s because there’s no alternative to removing your entire tooth. You may need an implant, bridge, or a removable partial denture to prevent nearby teeth from shifting in such cases.

Inflammation and infection of the inner pulp tissue of your tooth can be treated with a root canal. If not treated, inflammation of the pulp in your teeth can cause deep decay and abscesses in your bones.

Your dentist will open up your tooth, remove the pulp, clean the root area, then fill and seal it. The purpose of this procedure is to manage disease and decay without having to pull your teeth.

The apicoectomy, on the other hand, only focuses on the tip of the root and is performed after a root canal to repair the root or surrounding tissues.

The anesthetic may leave you feeling mildly uncomfortable and swollen once it wears off. Over the next few days, this will gradually lessen, and you should be able to resume normal activities within a day or two.

If you have an existing infection or are at risk of acquiring one after surgery, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. It is usually sufficient to take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to relieve pain.

A week is usually enough time for the stitches to be removed. While the stitches are in place, you should be careful when brushing or flossing near the surgery site.

The recovery time after an apicoectomy is usually longer than that of a typical root canal surgery. To prevent any pain during an apicoectomy, patients will receive local anesthesia. After the procedure, minor discomfort and swelling are normal. The pain usually subsides within a few days of surgery, and most patients do not require pain medications during this time. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically adequate for patients who require medication after an apicoectomy.

It is possible to experience further infection or nerve damage on rare occasions. There is, however, a low probability of these complications occurring – and they can occur with many types of dental procedures, not just apicoectomy. If standard root canal therapy isn’t enough to save a tooth, an apicoectomy is performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. This can prevent serious complications involving the health of your mouth and jaw.

Ace Endodontics takes immense pride in assisting you in maintaining excellent dental health. We are conveniently located at 11980 San Vicente Blvd Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90049. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Brentwood Park CA, West Hollywood CA, Venice CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Culver City CA, and surrounding areas.