Patients go to Phoenix Endodontist Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen for dental situations requiring expert or specialized care. One advanced procedure performed by Dr. Allen is called an Apicoectomy, which is a microsurgery performed when the root of the tooth is endangered.
To understand an apicoectomy, knowing about the structure of a tooth is helpful. Your tooth is made of a hard outer coating surrounding a soft pulp. Within this pulp are the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves, which extend through the root of your tooth. The tooth’s root(s) come to a point called the apex. When this point is compromised by infection, it becomes necessary to remove it is an apicoectomy.
Often, a previous root canal therapy that became infected or did not completely remove existing infection can be the cause of a problematic apex. Non-healing previously treated teeth are most likely to need apicoectomy. Sometimes the tooth has a large post that is hard to remove or the restorative on the coronal aspect of the tooth is compromised too much if trying to drill through it. Anatomical considerations can be a factor as well, Dr. Allen states.
During the apicoectomy, Dr. Allen will make a miniscule incision in your gum near the troublesome tooth. Through this access point, she enters the root structure of the tooth. With the help of a microscope and special tools, Dr. Allen removes the infected apex and ensures any infection in the surrounding area is thoroughly cleaned away. Once this process is complete, Dr. Allen cleans and seals the end of the tooth canal.
While you are recovering from your apicoectomy, you’ll want to heed a few details. Take care not to brush in the area until sutures are removed, Dr. Allen advises. “Use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that may occur and no heavy activity or exercise.”
If you need root canal therapy, it’s best to go to an endodontic expert like Dr. Allen to ensure the best outcome and minimize your risk for a future apicoectomy. If you are already facing this procedure, call Dr. Allen at Phoenix Endodontic Group immediately for the best outcome!