Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)
Root canal treatment is a procedure that’s necessary to save an infected or diseased tooth. Sometimes, when a root canal isn’t sufficient to solve the problem or the infection returns, our endodontists might recommend an apicoectomy.
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that we perform routinely at Curtis Endodontics with great success. Our patients appreciate that our endodontists and professional team are caring and supportive and that they can always count on us for comfortable, pain-free treatment.
Why We Recommend an Apicoectomy
It’s possible to experience tooth pain and swelling months or even years after root canal treatment. This occurs because a tooth’s root system is fairly complex and consists of numerous canals and root branches.
In some cases, bacteria linger in the smaller root branches or in the root tip itself, called the apex. An apicoectomy is a procedure where our endodontists removes the root’s tip, known as the apex, in addition to infected tissue. For this reason, you may also hear this procedure referred to as root-end surgery or resection.
While an apicoectomy may sound complex or involved, you can put your fears to rest! The procedure is straightforward, and you can be confident that the experience will be efficient, with your comfort and excellent outcomes in mind.
What to Expect with Endodontic Microsurgery
Specialists refer to an apicoectomy as endodontic microsurgery because they use sophisticated surgical microscopes to perform the procedure. The result is a level of accuracy, precision, and positive outcomes that would otherwise be impossible.
State-of-the-Art Diagnosis
The first step is evaluating the tooth and diagnosing the problem using sophisticated dental imaging, such as digital x-rays and 3-D cone beam CT scans (CBCT). Our specialists will explain their findings and help you understand how treatment will relieve any pain you’re experiencing and benefit your long-term oral health.
What Happens with an Apicoectomy?
Before our endodontists start your procedure, they numb your tooth with a strong local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout your appointment.
The apicoectomy involves making a small incision in the gum to access and remove the root’s tip and infected tissue. After cleansing and sealing the area, a few tiny sutures are placed that will either dissolve on their own or be removed after healing. You can expect an apicoectomy to last 30-90 minutes depending on the tooth we’re treating.
Apicoectomy Recovery
After your procedure, your mouth will remain numb for several hours, and we recommend taking off the rest of the day to give your body time to rest and recover. Everyone reacts differently, but most of our patients are comfortable enough to return to their usual activities the next day.
However, some swelling or bruising in the treatment area is common and to be expected. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen is all that most patients need to control discomfort.
Trust the Team at Curtis Endodontics
Have been told that you might need an apicoectomy? Our endodontists in Camp Hill, PA, would be happy to see you, evaluate your needs, and determine how we can best help you.
Please call Curtis Endodontics at (717) 550-4040 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use leading-edge 3-D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at Curtis Endodontics for highly precise diagnoses and treatment planning. This technology uses the same principles as medical CT scans but allows us to see a specific tooth in three dimensions.
3-D Cone Beam Scans for Treatment Planning
Drs. Darrell and Shane Curtis use 3-D CBCT scans when the detail of a 2-D x-ray doesn’t provide the information needed to diagnose a condition and plan precise treatment. A cone beam scan reveals a 3-D image of your teeth, bone, soft tissues, and nerve pathways.
Our specialists can also determine each tooth's height, width, and depth and view missed canals, traumatic fractures, and resorption lesions. This level of detail helps them plan and complete treatment to preserve as much tooth structure as possible.
We'll Explain Our Findings to You
Even with this explanation, it may be challenging to visualize what our specialists see with a cone beam scan. That is why Drs. Darrell and Shane Curtis will share the images with you to explain their findings and allow you to see why they recommend treatment.
To learn more about this amazing technology or schedule an appointment, please call our Camp Hill, PA, specialty dental office so we can help you.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Darrell M. Curtis
Dr. Curtis grew up in Central Pennsylvania and graduated from Cumberland Valley High School. He received his dental degree from the University of Maryland in 2011. Following dental school, he completed an Advanced Education in ...
Dr. Shane J. Curtis
Dr. Curtis grew up in Central Pennsylvania and graduated from Cumberland Valley High School. He received his dental degree from the University of Maryland in 2014. Following dental school, he completed an Advanced Education in ...
Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy) Technology
Dental Operating Microscope
A dental operating microscope is an indispensable tool in modern endodontic diagnosis and treatment that provides illumination and magnification 25 times that of the naked eye. This level of detail allows our specialists to easily view minute tooth structures and perform complex root canals and microsurgeries safely and precisely.
Ultrasonic Instruments
Ultrasonic instruments use fine vibrations to cut hard tissue and dental materials. They are used in conjunction with the enhanced magnification and illumination of the dental operating microscope and offer extreme precision. Ultrasonic instruments are essential for locating calcified canals, removing posts, and performing endodontic microsurgery.