Apicoectomy in Memphis, TN

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, or Memphis, TN to get a better solution with an apicoectomy.

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.

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.

An apicoectomy is typically recommended when a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy continues to experience problems. This procedure addresses persistent infection or inflammation at the tip of the tooth’s root, known as a periapical lesion, that does not resolve with nonsurgical treatment. It may also be needed when complex root structures, such as curved, narrow, or calcified canals, make it difficult to clean the area thoroughly with standard techniques. Additionally, an apicoectomy can help manage issues like small root fractures or infected bone near the root tip. By removing the affected tissue and sealing the end of the root, this procedure allows the surrounding bone to heal and helps preserve the natural 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.