APICOECTOMY (ROOT END SURGERY)

Our oral health is extremely important and is something that we should never take for granted. Unfortunately, many patients do not take great care of their oral health and this can result in serious consequences to their teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Therefore, it is imperative for patients to keep up with their regular dental exams and cleanings. However, it doesn’t just stop there. Perhaps you are suffering from a cracked tooth and have yet to seek treatment for it. Prolonging or avoiding treatment can be extremely detrimental, so it is important to seek the necessary treatment for your damaged tooth. 

This is where the apicoectomy procedure comes in. An apicoectomy, otherwise known as root end surgery or endodontic microsurgery is a procedure that can help keep your teeth in the best shape for years to come. Sometimes a root canal procedure may not be enough to fix a damaged tooth and an apicoectomy may be necessary. During the minor surgical procedure, your endodontist will remove the tip of the tooth’s root and the root canal is then sealed to protect the tooth and prevent any further damage or decay.

The apicoectomy can also help the adjacent bones heal, which can then save your teeth in the long run and prevent further damage over time.

Who is an Ideal Candidate For an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an ideal surgery for patients who have received a root canal and the infection either develops again or continues after a root canal procedure has been done. When your dentist or endodontist recommends an apicoectomy, it usually means that the root canal procedure cannot save the tooth and the apicoectomy is a better alternative to help preserve the health of your natural tooth. It is important to know that not everyone may be an ideal candidate for an apicoectomy. Therefore, it is important to consult with our team at Salo & Salo Dental to determine the best option for you. To learn more about an apicoectomy in Los Angeles, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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Reasons to Get an Apicoectomy

Typically, your dentist will recommend a root canal before considering an apicoectomy as an alternative. If the root canal fails to protect and save your tooth and you are still experiencing pain, then your dentist will refer you to an endodontist if you are experiencing: 

Tooth pain after a root canal treatment 

Calcium buildup that make a root canal less likely to work

Tooth re-infection years after a root canal

Damaged root surface or bone

Inflammation that persists after a root canal

Infection that persists after a root canal

Signs That May Determine the Need For an Apicoectomy

Usually, one of the first signs that may determine the need for an apicoectomy is pain after a root canal treatment. When your tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to age or trauma, it can cause the pulp to die. As a result, this can cause a serious toothache, jaw pain, and in some cases, migraines. When the tooth’s pulp becomes damaged or dead, it can lead to tooth loss. Another sign to look out for is when the tooth turns brown. This generally means that the underlying root has died, as well as the pulp, and the tooth is experiencing decay.

If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, it is important to contact our team at Salo & Salo Dental to schedule a consultation and learn if an apicoectomy in Beverly Hills is right for you. Our team has extensive experience providing patients with the dental care that they need to ensure that their oral health is preserved.

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What Does an Apicoectomy Entail?

Before the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to alleviate any pain or discomfort. Then an incision will be made in the gum surrounding the tooth, which will expose infected or inflamed tissue. This will allow your endodontist to remove the inflamed or infected tissue. Additionally, the tip of the tooth’s root will be removed and will then be sealed with a filling to ensure that the tooth is protected. Your endodontist will use a few stitches to ensure that the gum tissue is closed and the bone will be able to heal over the next few months.

Contact Our Team to Learn if an Apicoectomy is Right For You

If you have received a root canal and are still experiencing inflammation or infection, then it is a good idea to contact our team to schedule a consultation for an apicoectomy in West Hollywood. Our team has extensive experience providing our patients with the care that they need to ensure that their oral health is taken care of. Contact our team at Salo & Salo Dental to find out if an apicoectomy is right for you.

Interested in Learning More about Cosmetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills

If you are seeking the best cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, then our team at Salo & Salo Dental can help you achieve your goals. With extensive experience, we take great pride in being able to provide the best results possible for our patients. When considering cosmetic dentistry, it is imperative to choose a dental team that has shown proven, successful results. We are confident in the cosmetic dentistry services that we provide and are dedicated to creating custom-made designs that will fit the rest of your smile perfectly, ensuring optimal functionality and stunning results. To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry procedures and what may work for you, feel free to contact our friendly team to schedule a consultation with our dentist who specializes in the top cosmetic dentistry in West Hollywood.

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