Endodontic procedures become necessary when the deeper root portions of a tooth become infected, often due to a damaged or decayed crown. Often, root canal therapy is sufficient to remove any infected material so that the tooth can heal. But sometimes the infection may still linger in the bony tip of the root. In this case, endodontic surgery, or apicoectomy, may be necessary.
“Apico” comes from the Latin for “tip” or “apex” and refers to the very end of a tooth root. An apicoectomy removes and seals the very end of a tooth, and provides relief from the pain and inflammations associated with infections in that area. If left untreated, infections can compromise the entire tooth, and even spread to other teeth and tissues.
During the procedure, Dr. Stephen T. McInerney will make a small incision in the patient’s gum near the affected tooth. Then, any infected material can be removed and the whole area can be cleaned. A filling will also be placed to seal off the end of the root canal. Over time, the jaw bone will heal around the end of the root.
Apicoectomy can be used on teeth that have undergone a failed root canal therapy, or one where infection has returned after therapy. It can prevent the need for the total extraction of the tooth, as well as the spread of infection. If you would like to learn more about any of the endodontic treatments we offer at Root Canal Specialists, PC or want to schedule an appointment, please call our Bingham Farms, MI, office today.
