Endodontic Surgery To Save Your Smile

Most of the time, a root canal can restore the health of your tooth and eliminate any accompanying pain. In some cases, however, a root canal is just not enough. Whether your tooth was not fully disinfected or you have hidden canals deep inside your tooth where bacteria can hide, an apicoectomy is the most effective way to target deep, persistent infections and save your smile.

Our experienced endodontist, Dr. Gray, specializes in treating the most complex cases. He offers advanced dental technology and comprehensive sedation options. Contact our team today for a stress-free, compassionate apicoectomy in Rochester, MN, to relieve your pain and save your smile!

What is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, also known as root-end resection surgery, is an endodontic procedure that takes place at the roots rather than the crown of the tooth, restoring your tooth from the bottom up. An apicoectomy treats infection or abscess by removing the tip of a tooth’s root where bacteria can hide in the tiny canals. This microsurgical procedure also eliminates the need for a new crown so that you can maintain the look and feel of your natural tooth.

More On The Differences Between A Root Canal And An Apicoectomy

When Do You Need An Apicoectomy

• When your root canal was not sufficient to combat the infection in your tooth
• When you have an infection but you want to keep an existing crown intact
• When you have a deep, persistent infection and you want to avoid extraction
• When the risks of a re-treatment outweigh the benefits if your tooth lacks structural integrity

A Typical Apicoectomy Procedure

1. Using a high-powered operating microscope, Dr. Gray will create an opening in the gum tissue near your infected tooth.
2. Any inflamed or infected tissue is removed, along with a small portion of the bone, to gain access to the tooth’s roots.
3. The infected tip of the tooth’s root is trimmed. Special ultrasonic instruments are used to create a space in the end of the root, and a small filling is added to seal the root canal.
4. A few sutures are placed to help the soft tissue heal quickly. The bone tissue will gradually heal around the tooth’s root in a matter of months.

Find Relief From Pain And Save Your Smile!

If you have been suffering from severe tooth pain and you want to save your tooth from needing extraction, our compassionate and experienced endodontist, Dr. Gray, can help. We are well-versed in treating complex dental cases and can perform professional, stress-free apicoectomies in our dental practice here in Rochester, MN. Call us today at 507-288-8363 to escape persistent tooth pain and save your smile!