Apicoectomy

apicoectomyRoot canal therapy is often enough to treat infection in the inner tooth successfully. If pain or inflammation return, however, these symptoms can indicate a new or recurring infection. In such cases, an apicoectomy is a common surgical procedure used to save the tooth and restore the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

Every tooth contains pulp tissue, both inside the crown above the gum line and in the canals within the roots. These canals are small tunnels which travel from the pulp chamber in the crown to the tip of each root.

Nerves and blood vessels connect pulp tissue to the nervous and circulatory systems in the body, entering and exiting the tooth from very small openings in the root tip. An infection in the root pulp can spread to the gum and bone tissue around it through these openings.

An apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection, is the surgical removal of the apex, or tip, of a tooth’s root. This allows your dentist to access and remove any damaged and infected tissue within and around the root. Apicoectomies are common endodontic surgeries, performed with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools.

  • Often local anesthesia is all that is needed. If you are interested in sedation, discuss your options with your dentist. Once the area around the root is numb, an incision is made in the gum tissue to allow access to the root and any affected bone tissue.
  • Your dentist will carefully remove a few millimeters from the tip of the root, then clean the infected part of the root and remove any inflamed or infected tissue from the bone surrounding it. The root will be filled and the tip sealed.
  • Sutures will be used to close the incision, which will dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up visit.
  • Your dentist will let you know just how to take care of the site after surgery. You should follow post-op instructions carefully to reduce any swelling, and be sure to follow any dietary suggestions and restrictions.
  • Pain or sensitivity after the procedure can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief such as ibuprofen, or your dentist might prescribe prescription pain relief. Your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics as necessary to treat infection.

Most often, an apicoectomy is performed when infection occurs after a root canal procedure. (Your dentist may also recommend this procedure if you have calcium deposits in the root, if a crown or bridge makes a typical root canal impractical, or if the root of a tooth or the bone around it suffer trauma.) Common symptoms of infection include:

  • Pain which can be mild or very intense
  • Sensitivity to pressure or temperature
  • An abscess, pus, or discolored discharge near the tooth
  • Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums and tissues around the tooth
  • A foul taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath

If you have recurring or new pain or symptoms of infection after a root canal, see your dentist promptly. Left untreated, infection can destroy tooth, gum, and bone tissue. An apicoectomy can be your best option to preserve your tooth and protect your dental health.

Our Location

12 Main Street Atkinson NH 03811 *Entrance on Robie Lane

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "You have reached the pinnacle of the finest dental practice if you choose ATKINSON DENTAL HEALTH CENTER. Excellence through and through. The staff outstanding, kind, caring, and professional. You could not ask for more. The facility is top notch - state of the art equipment and it's immaculate. They are the Best of the Best !!!!!!!"
    Mimi G.
  • "For 14 years I have struggled with a bad root canal! 14 years of pain and infections and each dentist I saw seemed to make it worse. When I met Dr. Reed I was pretty traumatized but he was the most compassionate doctor I have ever met! It feels great knowing I have finally found a dentist I can trust."
    Rebecca H.
  • "This is really one of my favorite places to go! Yes, to the dentist! Not only is the environment calm and inviting and feels like a spa, but everyone is so kind and courteous. The team is wonderful and just makes every visit enjoyable."
    Mary M
  • "Just had my first visit with Dr. Reed. I’m very impressed with the entire experience. Everyone was friendly, professional and competent. Dr. Reed took the time to explain everything I needed to know. I know I made the right decision to come to this practice."
    Mark D.
  • "I have been a client of Dr. Perreault and his amazing team of professionals for many years! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a dedicated team who have years of experience and are top notch! I actually look forward to going to the dentist because I know I am in good hands with all my dental needs."
    Jeff G.
  • "I could not be more pleased with the dental treatments I have received here throughout the years/decades. Dr. Perreault's personal and thoughtful demeanor is only exceeded by his dentistry skills. He always has the latest technologies. His staff are professional and always make you feel you welcomed and comfortable."
    Paul S.
  • "I second ALL of the praise!!! Hands-down the cleanest most professional place I’ve ever been in.
    Caring ,compassionate , and absolutely the highest in professionalism!! As someone with a very high dental fear and anxiety..I would recommend this practice to the whole world !!
    Hats off to Dr. Perreault and all of his staff!!
    1000 stars if I could!!"
    Dave A.
  • "Great team, called with a tooth ache. They got me right in, staff was all very kind and friendly. Dr. Perreault explained everything clearly. Made an appointment for my next visit. Would recommend to anyone. Happy to have been referred to them."
    Jeff B.