- What Is An Apicoectomy?
- What Are the Benefits of Apicoectomy?
- How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
- What Can I Expect When Recovering from an Apicoectomy?
- Memphis Endodontics Reviews
- Who Is a Candidate for Apicoectomy?
- Is Apicoectomy Covered By Insurance?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preserve Your Tooth
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is An Apicoectomy?
A root canal removes the infection from a tooth, but the root of the tooth has multiple tiny branches where the infection may hide or return. If a tooth is still infected or gets another infection after a root canal has been completed, an apicoectomy may be suggested. Drs. Harris, Wells, Scott, Cain, Dagen, and McCreary perform this procedure at Memphis Endodontics. An apicoectomy procedure takes out any infected tissue along the tooth's root, in addition to the affected root tip(s). Also known as a root-end resection or endodontic microsurgery, an apicoectomy may save the upper portion of the tooth to avoid disturbing a restoration, like a bridge or crown. After one (or more than one) root canal, contact Memphis Endodontics at one of our locations in Kirby, Collierville, Bartlett, or Memphis, TN to get a better solution with an apicoectomy.
What Are the Benefits of Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy offers several benefits for preserving your natural tooth and preventing further dental issues:
- Eliminates Persistent Infection: Targets and removes the infected tissue at the root tip, resolving ongoing dental infection
- Saves the Natural Tooth: Helps preserve the natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for extraction
- Prevents Future Complications: Reduces the risk of future dental issues by sealing the root canal and preventing reinfection
- Minimally Invasive: Typically performed with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery time
How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
Prior to performing a treatment, one of our team members will assess your mouth and then discuss your choices before deciding on an apicoectomy. To start the treatment, local anesthesia will be used. Other sedation techniques may be available depending on the complexity of your treatment or if you have dental anxiety and fears. One of our endodontic specialists will begin by creating an incision in your gum tissue to expose the root of the tooth. The infected tissue and root tip will be addressed before the area is carefully and thoroughly cleaned. To ensure the dental infection is completely removed, a special dye can highlight cracks in your tooth. As soon as your tooth is sealed, we will close the gums using sutures.
What Can I Expect When Recovering from an Apicoectomy?
Following an apicoectomy procedure, you may get a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics. You can apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation for the first day after your apicoectomy. You might have some soreness, bruising, or numbness for 3 – 5 days. We will give you instructions for your apicoectomy recovery. For faster healing, you should avoid aggressive cleaning and hard foods. You may need to come back to our office in a few days to have your stitches taken out. Typically, your teeth and gums should heal around two weeks after the apicoectomy. To minimize further problems, you should follow an oral care routine at home with frequent brushing and flossing. In addition, you need to go to yearly dental examinations and twice yearly cleanings at Memphis Endodontics, so we can monitor your dental health and treat problems early.
Memphis Endodontics Reviews
They were able to schedule me for a root canal on very short notice. My dentist's office handled the scheduling so I can't say what that was like but I know that they were fast and efficient. Everyone I interacted with was polite and pleasant, the office was very clean and comfortable. Unfortunately I don't actually know the name of the endodontist who did my root canal but he and his assistant were both all class. Clearly explained everything, numbing was seamless, I literally didn't feel a thing. I highly recommend this place in general, but especially so if you need a root canal and are concerned about it being painful. The doctor used a numbing gel before injecting the local anesthetic and I felt literally nothing other than slight pressure and some split-second minor pinching. Hopefully I never see another endodontist at all because my teeth stay healthy but if I ever do this will be the first office I look into.
Nobody wants to have to get a root canal but if you should ever need one, you definitely want to be in the hands of Dr. Scott. His staff took me in on a same day appointment because I was in excruciating pain. Even though I was a work-in, he still took the time to explain what was required & made sure that I didn’t leave his office in pain. He made the entire root canal procedure pain free. It was nothing like a root canal that I had almost 10 years ago. Being a healthcare provider myself, I understand the importance of compassionate care and I certainly appreciate someone being as compassionate as I am when it comes to helping others. Not only did Dr. Scott go above and beyond for me but so did Raven & Michelle. Together, they all made my unpleasant circumstance a very blessed experience. They make a great team & they do even greater work.
Dr Scott and the support staff are top notch. Taking the time to listen, evaluate and give you options for a good outcome. Office conveniently located.
I had a cracked tooth and needed a root canal. They performed the diagnosis and procedure quickly and professionally. He also determined that another tooth was contributing to the pain and filed a little bit from the point so the issue didn't recur.They got me in quickly and I can't say enough good things about them.
Five star experience from start to finish
139
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Who Is a Candidate for Apicoectomy?
Candidates for an apicoectomy should have already had a root canal treatment, but the infection has remained or returned in the root tips. When you have a root canal, a bridge or crown may be placed to strengthen and protect the tooth. This can make another root canal or retreatment difficult if an infection is found since it could weaken or destroy the crown or bridge. In these cases, an apicoectomy at Memphis Endodontics may be the best treatment to remove the existing dental infection while also preventing other infections.
Is Apicoectomy Covered By Insurance?
Insurance coverage for an apicoectomy procedure often depends on your individual dental insurance plan, including factors like the specific provider, the reason for the procedure, and your plan’s benefits. While many insurance plans do offer partial coverage for apicoectomy as a medically necessary endodontic procedure, out-of-pocket costs can vary. At our practice, our knowledgeable team is here to help you navigate your insurance benefits, answer any financial questions, and ensure you receive the high-quality care you deserve — without added stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is apicoectomy recovery?
Recovery time can vary, but most patients experience improvement within a few days to a week. You may have some swelling and discomfort during apicoectomy recovery, but following your dentist's aftercare instructions will help ensure a smooth process.
Are there any risks or complications associated with an apicoectomy?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding teeth or nerves. However, these complications are rare, and your dentist will discuss any concerns with you prior to the procedure.
Will I still need follow-up treatments after an apicoectomy?
Follow-up appointments are typically necessary to monitor healing and ensure that the infection has resolved. Your dentist will provide guidance on any additional treatments or dental care needed after the procedure.
Can an apicoectomy be performed on any tooth?
An apicoectomy can be performed on most teeth, but the procedure is more commonly done on molars and premolars due to their complex root structures.
Are there any alternatives to an apicoectomy?
In some cases, extracting the tooth may be the only alternative, but your dentist will discuss all treatment options with you.
Can an apicoectomy fail?
Although rare, an apicoectomy can fail, especially if the infection persists or the tooth fractures. Additional treatment or extraction may be necessary.
Preserve Your Tooth
If your tooth becomes reinfected after one or more root canals, an apicoectomy at Memphis Endodontics could be the ideal solution. This procedure effectively removes the infection from the tips of the tooth root without disturbing any dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges. For more information, contact one of our offices in or around Memphis, TN to schedule a consultation with one of our endodontic specialists.