Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with
injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical
procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your
endodontist will recommend surgery.
Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden
canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the
tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be
treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save
damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. An
incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and
surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along
with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to
prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone
naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring
full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight
swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical
procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain
medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not
respond to medication, please call our office.