Apicoectomy – A Step Further than a Root Canal Treatment

Most people haven’t heard of the term apicoectomy. Like any other dental treatments, an apicoectomy is a very beneficial dental procedure to save your tooth from damage. Your dentist in Blacktown may recommend apicoectomy when conventional root canal treatment fails. This method involves going through the gum to remove the infected tissue surrounding the root tip. Blacktown dentist performs apicoectomies as another attempt to save the tooth if your teeth have already had one or more root canal procedure.

When Should You Opt for Apicoectomy?

Dentists suggest apicoectomy when root canals become re-infected. This re-infection can be treated by removing the root tip of the teeth and the tissue surrounding it. Here we have listed the conditions that cause persistent and recurring infection.

  • Infection that spread in the area near the tip of the root and into the bone
  • New tooth decay on the root
  • Infected debris at the sides of the main root canal
  • Narrowing of canals
  • Cracked or fractured tooth root

When you have teeth infection, it spreads all the way in your root and makes a call for root canal treatment. During the root canal procedure, your dentist will clean out all the bacteria and infection causing pain in the root. The dentist may consider an apicoectomy if you have repeated infections or the infection runs deeper that previous infections.

How Apicoectomy is performed?

Your Blacktown dental experts numb the gum area to assess the condition of your infected teeth so that the dentist can access the infection level in the root to evaluate further. An apicoectomy is warranted when your dentist feels that the root is healthy enough to remove the infection. Apicoectomy procedure is done similar to the root canal procedure but here they will go a step ahead to slice the tip off the root off and seal it. This action removes the infection on the root fully and protects your teeth from getting infected in the future.

In some cases, the teeth get infected again and may need extracting in the future. To avoid this, one should ensure that they follow a good dental health regime. Follow the below dental tips to prevent your teeth from getting infected again.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day everyday
  • Use the right toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Keep your teeth clean by regular flossing
  • Rinse your mouth well after eating
  • Schedule routine dental visits to find out any potential dental issues earlier.

Apicoectomy is good for you if you are suffering from repeated root infections or a failed root canal treatment. When you consider getting apicoectomy, contact your Blacktown dentist to speak about how you feel. Only a dentist who knows your past dental history can suggest you the best option for your dental health.