Apicoectomy – the last chance to save a tooth
Last chance for the tooth
What is an apicoectomy?
Apicoectomy is an oral surgical procedure during which a part of the tooth’s root, specifically the root apex, is removed along with the inflamed tissues around the root. This procedure can help even when root canal treatment has proven ineffective, thereby saving the tooth in question. Although it involves relatively minor trauma, the procedure still requires a high degree of expertise and careful attention.
When might root apex removal be necessary?
As mentioned above, in most cases, apicoectomy is performed when chronic and inflammatory processes complicate our lives, and root canal treatment no longer provides a solution. The procedure may also be considered if a cyst forms around the tooth’s root.
The procedure may also be necessary when the tooth’s canal system is not fully permeable and therefore cannot be cleaned even with specialized instruments. Of course, other problems may arise where the treating dentist determines that root apex removal is the best solution for us.
However, there are cases when apicoectomy is not recommended
There are several factors, however, where the procedure is not recommended. One such case is when the tooth length is insufficient. If there isn’t enough remaining tooth root length, the tooth will be unstable, making the procedure inadvisable. Root apex removal is also contraindicated when the bone surrounding the tooth is in very poor condition, and the tooth’s stability is insufficient. Beyond these, other cases may arise where the treatment is not recommended; the treating dentist must always weigh and decide these.
CONTACT US, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
The process of root apex removal
Before the procedure, the patient must always undergo root canal treatment, and if there is a root filling, its condition must be checked. The first step is then local anesthesia, making the procedure itself completely painless.
Following this, the area around the tooth root is exposed, and then the root apex is removed along with the inflamed tissues. If necessary, the root canal is sealed with a medicated filling to ensure no gaps, and finally, the wound is closed.
Is apicoectomy painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the surgery itself is completely painless. After the surgery, mild pain or swelling may occur, which subsides within a few days.
How successful is apicoectomy?
The success rate of apicoectomy ranges between 80-90%. Unsuccessful apicoectomy rarely occurs and typically happens if the infection recurs or the tooth’s root canal cannot be properly cleaned.
Apicoectomy recovery time
After an apicoectomy, the full healing time is usually 7–10 days until the wound heals and the sutures can be removed. However, bone regeneration is a longer process, which can take up to 3–6 months.
After apicoectomy
After the procedure, great care must be taken with the affected area; the wound should never be rubbed. Do not overexert yourself and avoid hot baths or saunas for a while!
Bleeding, pain, and swelling may occur, which can be relieved with your usual medications and cold packs. It is very important to pay attention to oral hygiene; it is better to brush your teeth more often than usual.
We must consider that after an apicoectomy, the tooth will no longer be as load-bearing, which can be an important factor when creating dental bridges, for example.
It is advisable to take a dental X-ray as a check-up six months after the treatment, which is also recommended to be repeated every six months until the 2nd year after the apicoectomy. During this time, in most cases, new, healthy bone tissue develops in the area, which can be preserved for a long time.
Frequent QUESTIONS regarding apicoectomy
How long does a root canal resection take?
When can I eat again after the surgery?
When is suture removal necessary?
Can the face swell after root apex resection?
CONTACT US, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Patient REVIEWS
Contact Details
We welcome you to our impressive dental practice located in the 7th district of downtown Budapest! We welcome you to our impressive dental clinic located in the district!
DENTAL CLINIC
Budapest, 7th district
Rottenbiller u. 5/b.
