Apicoectomy Pleasant Grove, UT
Also known as root-end resection.
An apicoectomy is the most common endodontic surgery (aka root-end resection). After a root canal, sometimes infection or decay continues to be a problem. We can address this problem with an apicoectomy. In some cases rather than a single uniform chamber, your tooth may have many tiny branches that can harbor infection. Apicoectomy surgery removes just the very the tip (apex) of the root, where many infections originate. New technology and techniques to detect these hidden infections have advanced, so a follow-up root canal can often solve the problem, but sometimes root end surgery is necessary.
What is an apicoectomy?
In this procedure, the dentist or endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. We also may decide to remove the very end of the root as well. A small filling may be placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gingiva to help the tissue heal properly. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.
If you experience symptoms of an infection such as pain or swelling, then please call us at (801) 369-1713. We can provide an assessment to determine what treatment is right for you and if you might be a good candidate for an apicoectomy.
