What you need to Know About an Apicoectomy

What you need to Know About an Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is considered a minor dental procedure. It’s often performed on both adults and children to save a tooth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a common dental procedure where inflamed gum tissue and the end of the root of your tooth is removed while the top of your tooth is left in place. It’s often called a root-end resection because it works on the end (or, tip) of your root called the apex. 

Why Do You Need an Apicoectomy?

Your dentist will do a root end surgery for a few reasons. The most common is to try to fix a tooth that’s already had a root canal. 

In most cases, root canals last a lifetime, but sometimes, the tooth doesn’t heal well and becomes reinfected. Your dentist will use an apicoectomy to remove damaged tissue to save the tooth and avoid pulling it out. 

How Painful Is an Apicoectomy?

A root end surgery causes very little discomfort. It is a minor procedure done in your dentist’s office, and it doesn’t require any general anesthetic. You can usually drive yourself home afterward and go back to your normal activities the next day. 

It’s normal to have some minor bleeding after your procedure since your gums are cut and stitched, but this should go away after 1 to 2 hours. Rest with your head raised to slow down blood flow and stop bleeding. 

You can manage pain and inflammation with anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. If you have an infection, your dentist might give you antibiotics. Take them as directed.

You can brush and floss your teeth as normal, but avoid the stitched area. After 24 hours have passed, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will help keep the area clean. Add a half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and rinse after eating and before bed.

Where?

At Dental Biodesign in Matamoros Mexico we can help you perform this procedure, the advantages are enormous compared to doing it in the United States, starting with the cost and quality. Learn more in this article.