Root Canal Surgery on the End of a Root
A root canal is often the preferred treatment for an infected tooth. The tooth is opened, the infected tissue inside the roots and cavities is removed, and the space is disinfected and subsequently sealed with unique materials. There are times, though, when accessing the root from the tooth’s crown is not an option. A metal post, for example, may be present in the root, or an abscess may remain at the tip of the tooth even after a good root canal. In these situations, an apicoectomy may be used.
The root tip is exposed by opening the gum around it. The bone is then removed until the root tip is revealed. After the infected tissue, the abscess, and a small portion of the root are removed, the root is sealed at the end. A flap is then put back in place, sutured, and allowed to heal. Alternatively, the vacant area is filled with bone graft material.
The bio-compatible material used to seal the apicoectomy tooth’s root is usually examined with a microscope. The microscope is usually utilized in this surgical procedure from the start to the end. The success rate is usually high. It depends on the size of the tooth, the amount of root removed, the patient’s general health and age, and the accessibility in determining the prognosis.
Post-op care is similar to any dental surgery. Avoid using that side for a few days, and gently clean the side starting on the second day. The treating endodontist will give the details.
