Apicoectomy

Why would I need apical surgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and Dr. Young will recommend surgery.

Apical surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure.

The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.

What is an apicoectomy?

The video above illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

Illustrated Tooth Root Surgery

Diagram of infected tissue at the root end of a tooth in the upper jaw
1. Infected Tissue
Diagram of a tooth getting an apicoectomy - surgical removal of infected tissue through the upper gum and jaw
2. Tissue Removed
Diagram of an upper tooth and jaw bone, healing from an apicoectomy
3. Suture Placed
Diagram of a healed upper tooth and jaw bone after an apicoectomy
4. Healing Complete

Are You in Need of Oral & Maxillofacial Treatment?


You can trust Dr. Young to provide you with outstanding care. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options.

Call us: 401-273-7802

What should I expect after an apicoectomy?

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our Johnston office at Oral Surgery Office of Dr. Steven Young in Johnston RI Phone Number 401-273-7802.

Video: Tooth Root Surgery

 
 

Patient Reviews: Apical Surgery Johnston RI

Read testimonials from our patients, below. Please visit the Patient Review form to leave a review about your experiences with Steven H. Young, DDS, OMS, LLC. You may also read or leave a patient review for our practice on our Google My Business page.

For more information, please call our office: Oral Surgery Office of Dr. Steven Young in Johnston RI Phone Number 401-273-7802.

Steven H. Young, DDS, OMS, LLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 1 Apicoectomy reviews.

Patient Review by Donna C

I think dr young and staff did a great job I recommend anyone who needs a oral surgeon to see dr young

- Donna C

5 out of 5 stars on