Apicoectomy Procedure: A Root End Surgery

There’s a common belief that a cracked tooth it’s something simple and nothing to worry about. In some cases, it may be but in many others, it’s better to visit your dentist of trust.

If recently you or a loved one suffered from any trauma to the mouth that caused a fracture to a natural tooth, bleeding, or lacerations to the gums, immediate dental attention is required. Why? Because when the inside of the mouth gets hurt, bacteria may enter and cause inflamed or infected tissue.

An Introduction: What You Need to Know

This is a surgical procedure and a very popular alternative to save a damaged tooth in which inflammation or infection has persisted, specifically in the bony area around the end of the tooth after a conventional root canal treatment.

The procedure is usually performed when the patient has already undergone a root canal that was not enough to get rid of an infection.

During a root canal procedure, the tooth’s nerve is removed and the canal is sterilized and filled with a permanent filling material.

Meanwhile, during an apicoectomy, the removal of the tooth’s apex (the area where the tooth’s canal ends) is extremely necessary, as well as any surrounding tissue that may have become damaged or infected.

The Steps to an Apicoectomy Procedure

Even though this procedure is very common, it cannot be performed by a regular dentist since it requires precision and previous endodontic studies.

Before starting, local anesthetics will be applied to numb the area.

If the specialist is recommending apicoectomy it means there is no other solution for the infected tooth, other than removal.

At the time of the surgery, a dental professional certified in endodontic treatment will open the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove the infected tissue.

Once this is done and the infected tissue is removed, he/she will place a small filling in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a bone graft or membrane to cover the window made for access to the tooth root.

Then, the endodontist will clean the area, this is usually done under a special microscope using ultrasonic instruments.

In the end, a few stitches will be placed to help the tissue and surrounding bone heal properly after you leave the doctor’s office.

Sometimes, when the patient’s tooth has large cracks or breaks, it may have to be extracted. In this case, the apicoectomy will not continue.

The length of the treatment lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The length will depend on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure.

Dental Procedures on front teeth and the tip of the tooth are generally the shortest, and those on lower molars generally take the longest.

Recovery and After Care

The recovery period after any kind of surgery is very important. The patient needs to be very responsible and follow the oral surgeon's instructions.

After an apicoectomy, you should follow specific instructions made by your endodontist, such as:

• Take the medicines indicated by the endodontist
• Don’t smoke until the wound is completely healed.
• During your recovery, try a soft food diet. Here are 10 food recommendations after receiving oral surgery.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Don’t drink too hot or too cold drinks.
• The stitches will be removed approximately 7 days after the procedure. All soreness and swelling are usually gone within 14 days.

Dental Treatments in Mexico

Also known as Molar City, Los Algodones is a small border town in Baja California, Mexico. Its located 7 miles from Yuma Arizona and its popularity has increased in the last decades.

With more than 300 dental clinics in town, Los Algodones has become the paradise for U.S Citizens and Canadians when looking for affordable dental work, while having a great time visiting the town.

Sani Dental Group is a dental facility located in the heart of town, and with two open clinics and more than 35 chairs available for patients, it’s known as the largest dental group in Mexico, with another location in Playa del Carmen.

Sani Dental Group has more than three decades of experience, a full team of certified doctors and specialists, and around 9,000 happy patients each year.

If you’d like to know more about us before making any decisions, we invite you to read 20 Facts About Sani Dental Group, where you’ll find information about our warranty plan, treatments, additional services, and more!

Your new smile is one call away, and our team of patient coordinators is ready to assist you! Recover your oral health today.

If you’d like to know more about us before making any decisions, we invite you to read 20 Facts About Sani Dental Group, where you’ll find information about our warranty plan, treatments, additional services, and more!