Sometimes a nonsurgical root canal procedure isn’t enough to save a tooth, and endodontic surgery is needed. Endodontic surgery is used to locate small fractures or hidden canals that were undetected on X-rays during the initial treatment. The surgery can also remove calcium deposits in root canals and treat damaged root surfaces and the surrounding bone of the tooth.
Having a skilled endodontic surgeon at your disposal is critical to your overall oral health. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we pride ourselves in having state-of-that-art techniques and equipment that can help address our patient’s oral needs. Contact our office today to speak with our experienced endodontic surgeon.
What Is Endodontic Surgery Used For?
For a proper understanding of endodontic surgery, it’s necessary to understand a root canal procedure. A root canal is necessary when infection or inflammation invades a tooth’s internal tissue (the pulp). Inflammation or infection in the pulp may be caused by severe tooth decay, repeated dental treatments, or trauma to the tooth.
Endodontic treatment removes the damaged pulp. Once the damaged pulp is removed, the tooth canal is cleaned up and filled up to keep the tooth intact. However, in some cases, the nonsurgical root canal is not enough to save the tooth. Cases that may require endodontic surgery include:
- Cracked roots
- Persistent cysts
- Regularly blocked root tips
- Acute pain
- Cleanup of residue from a previous root canal
- Perforated root tips
- Abnormally formed tooth with poorly structured roots
Sometimes endodontic surgery is also necessary for diagnostic purposes. Some patients may present symptoms but show no issues on X-rays. There may be a little crack on the tooth or canal that is not immediately obvious with nonsurgical treatments. In this case, an endodontic surgeon performs surgery to check the tooth root.
Endodontic surgery is also performed to remove calcium deposits. These calcium deposits can make it hard to use the instruments needed to access the tooth’s roots. If calcification (the build-up of calcium) occurs inside the tooth, endodontic surgery may be the only way to thoroughly clean and close the rest of the root canal safely and effectively. Surgery may also be necessary to address the damage done to the root surfaces near the jawbone.
The Most Common Type of Endodontic Surgery: Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy, or root-end resection, is performed when a patient is experiencing inflammation, infection, discomfort, or pain near the bony area near a tooth’s roots after undergoing a root canal procedure. The endodontist will open the gum tissue near the tooth with a small incision to see the underlying bone and then work to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The end of the tooth’s root will also be removed.
Sutures or stitches will then be placed in the gum to ensure that the tissue heals. Over time, the bone heals around the root and the tooth is fully restored.
Contact an Experienced Endodontic Surgeon Today
While having to face a surgical procedure to save your teeth is not ideal, it is sometimes necessary. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we understand that oral procedures can be intimidating. Fortunately, we are equipped with state-of-the-art techniques, tools, and methods to make dental surgical procedures quicker, more comfortable, and more successful. We will be with you every step of the way.
When you trust Union City Oral Surgery Group with your oral health, you can be sure that our priority is to ensure your health and comfort. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can improve your oral health. Complete our online contact form or call us at (201) 601-9262.
