Apicoectomy

If root canal therapy is unsuccessful and your infection either returns or persists after the procedure, it is often because of a problem near the apex of the root, making an apicoectomy necessary to save your tooth from extraction, and Dr. Eric Meyer has the skill and experience to help you in Fullerton, CA.

An apicoectomy removes the tip or apex of the root of your tooth and replaces it with a filling. This is not to be confused with a root resection, which is when an entire root is removed, not just the tip. Before we recommend an apicoectomy, a second root canal is usually considered because it is a simpler and less-invasive procedure. Advances in technology allow the dentist to detect whether one of the tooth’s other canals is the source of the infection. If this is the case, a second root canal is carried out.

However, if an apicoectomy is necessary, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. The local anesthetic that is used contains twice as much epinephrine as the anesthetic for a filling. This ensures that your blood vessels are reduced to reduce bleeding and allow your dentist to accurately see the root. Then the dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the root of the infected tooth. About 3 to 4 millimeters of the canal are cleaned of inflamed tissue and then the area is healed. An X-ray is usually taken before the gums are sutured to give Dr. Meyer a better look at the area.

If your tooth pain persists or comes back after root canal therapy, come to our office. Call 714.879.7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.