Angelo Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Apicoectomy - San Angelo & Brownwood, TX

Root Tip Surgey

gum disease patient after treatment

What Is An Apicoectomy?

Months or years following a successful root canal, a disruption in its seal may occur. The tooth may become painful or diseased. When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the tip of the root, an apicoectomy may be required to save the tooth. An apicoectomy procedure removes inflamed or infected tissue around the root tip. Additionally, the diseased portion of the root tip is usually removed and a small filling is placed to properly seal the end of the root canal.

implant supported dentures patient smiling

What happens during the procedure?

On the day of the procedure, the patient is made comfortable in a treatment room, and the appropriate IV sedation is provided. The patient will be made as comfortable as possible. The gum is lifted from an area near the root area of the tooth. Your doctor accesses the root tip by removing the thin bone covering the end of the root. A small part of the root tip is then removed, and the remaining root is checked to make sure that it is sealed. All canals are checked to be sure they are properly sealed, and a root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root. The gum is sutured closed, and the bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months. After surgery, the patient will be observed in the office and discharged when appropriate. Follow up will be arranged for the following week. Typically, recovery is rapid with perhaps 1-3 days of minor swelling and discomfort. Patients can usually resume usual activities within 24 hours.