Apicoectomy
A root end surgery, known as apicoectomy, retrograde root canal treatment or root-end filling is an endodontic surgical procedure in which the root tip of tooth is removed and a root end cavity is prepared and filled with a biocompatible material. Usually, a microscope is used to carry out the procedure.
Apicoectomy is required when a root canal therapy is failed and a re-treatment is not successful or not advised. In simple terms, when an infection develops or consists after root canal treatment, or retreatment, Apicoectomy is performed. During root canal treatment, the canals are cleaned and any infected tissues are removed. But sometimes, even after root canal treatment, infected debris will remain the branches and cause re-infection. In Apicoectomy, the root tip or apex is removed along with the infected tissues. Later, a filling is placed to seal the end of the root.
Apicoectomy is not similar to a root resection, wherein entire root is removed rather than just the tip.
Initially, you will have a consultation with our dentists. Generally, endodontists will carry out this procedure. Dentists may take X-rays and will give an antimicrobial mouth rinse and anti-inflammatory medication prior to surgery. If you have high blood pressure or epinephrine in local anesthetics, let your dentist know at the time of consultation. The epinephrine will constrict your blood vessels to prevent bleeding near the area. Sometimes, you may feel your heart beat rate speed up after you receive the local anesthetic, but this will subside within few minutes.
Apicoectomy Procedure
The Endodontist will cut and lift the gum from the tooth so as to make the root easily accessible. The infected tissue will be removed with the few millimeters of the root tip. Dentist will use a dye that highlights cracks and fractures in the tooth. In case of tooth crack or fracture, it should be extracted and the apicoectomy cannot be performed.
In order to complete the apicoectomy, 3 to 4 millimeters of the tooth’s canal is cleaned and sealed. The cleaning is done with the help of microscope using ultrasonic instruments. Surgical microscope increases the chances of success because the light and magnification enables the endodontist to see the area better. Most procedures take between 30 to 90 minutes, based on the location of the tooth and complexity of the root structure.
If you are looking for the best Endodontist in Hyderabad, consult doctors of Vijay Dental hospital to get the best results.