What Is Root End Surgery?

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You may have already had root canal treatment only to find that you are having issues again with the same tooth. If this is the case, more advanced methods may be required. This includes root end surgery.

What Is Root End Surgery?

Root end surgery (also known as apicoectomy) is a procedure that removes an infection of the root of a tooth and the tissue that surrounds it. This procedure is reserved for when other endodontic treatments fail or if access to the apex of a tooth isn’t possible with normal treatment.

Root end surgery is generally around 97 percent effective upwards of 5 years after the procedure, and 75 percent effective after 10 years. This makes it a very reliable treatment option.

The Apicoectomy Procedure Process

The apicoectomy procedure process begins with a trip to the dentist if you are experiencing pain or discomfort after a root canal. They will take a look and see if the infection has continued to develop. If so, they will determine if an apicoectomy procedure is necessary.

One they have decided that root end surgery is the best course of action, your dentist will schedule an appointment to perform the procedure. At the start of the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. An incision is then performed in the gum where the tooth is located. Your dentist will then remove enough bone to get to the apex of the root. They will then drill through the tooth’s root and remove the infection. Once this is completed, the root canal will be sealed with a filling. Finally, stitches will be placed, and the gum and bone will be allowed to heal. They should heal completely within a few months.

The recovery process for root end surgery will involve a little bit of pain and discomfort. While the procedure itself isn’t painful, you can’t avoid a little pain after the procedure is completed. You will also see swelling of the area. This is normal.

After a few days, you should be back to your normal diet and routine. You’ll have the stitches removed from your gums after around a week or so. Make sure you are being careful when brushing and flossing around the stitches. Your dentist will give you detailed recovery instructions to ensure your speedy recovery.

You may be given antibiotics after the procedure to prevent further infection or fight off any existing infection. Make sure you continue to take this medication as prescribed.

Because only a local anesthetic is provided, you likely won’t need to make transport arrangements. With that said, ask your dentist just in case.

If you are having pain and discomfort after a root canal treatment, make sure you contact Nova Dental. We’ll take a look at the tooth and see if an apicoectomy is required to remove the infection and repair the tooth.

Preventing Root End Surgery

It’s best to avoid root end surgery when possible. This all begins with taking care of your oral health overall. If you aren’t visiting your dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months, you should start now. If you don’t have an appointment in the books, call Nova Dental and we can get you set up with an appointment for a cleaning and checkup.

If your dentist determines that you have a cavity, have the cavity taken care of immediately. It can often be taken care of in one visit. If the problem is worse, you may need a root canal procedure. It’s only if the root canal procedure doesn’t work properly that you would need a root end surgery.

Also, take care of your oral health at home. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day. If you take proper care of your oral health and you continue to get professional cleanings, you shouldn’t need more advanced procedures.

With preventative care, you likely won’t develop the oral health issues that lead to the need for root end surgery.

Are There Alternatives?

Yes and no. If you want to save your tooth and there is an infection after a root canal treatment procedure, you will need root end surgery to save the tooth. With that said, you also may have the option to have the tooth extracted. An extraction won’t be the end, though. Once you’ve had your tooth extracted, you will need to look at replacement options to ensure your ongoing oral health. Not replacing an extracted tooth can lead to a whole host of oral health issues.

It’s a much better idea to simply have the root end surgery performed than to give up on the tooth and have it pulled. Not only is it a better option for your health, but will also be cheaper in the long run.

Cost of Root End Surgery

In order to determine the cost of root end surgery, you’ll need to speak with your insurance company and the office at Nova Dental. If your insurance covers the procedure, you may be expected to pay a co-pay of a few hundred dollars. Without insurance, the cost may be between $900 and $1,300.

If you have any questions about the cost of root end surgery, reach out to Nova Dental. We’d be happy to discuss the cost in more detail with you.

Contact Nova Dental

If you have had a root canal procedure and you are experiencing pain and discomfort beyond the normal healing window, reach out to Nova Dental so a dentist can take a look at your tooth. If they find that there is an infection, a root end surgery may be required. Your dentist will walk you through the procedure, so you have a better idea of what to expect.

For payment, scheduling, and insurance, speak with our amazing front office staff. We’d be happy to discuss payment options, costs, and what dates are available for your procedure.

We look forward to speaking with you and helping you with your oral healthcare.  

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