Frequently Asked Questions: Endodontic Surgery

Our doctors at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio specialize in diagnosing and treating dental infections. Root canal therapy is the most common treatment. It is a non-surgical procedure to preserve a deeply decayed or damaged tooth. Some teeth that have had previous root canal treatment have persistent signs of infection and may benefit from surgical endodontic procedures.  Surgery is sometimes recommended when the original treatment was inadequate or for other reasons, and may be necessary to “save” a tooth.

What is Endodontic Surgery?

As endodontists, we have the advanced training and experience to offer surgical procedures and techniques. All of these procedures can resolve inflammation and infection efficiently, effectively and painlessly. The medical term for this procedure is “apicoectomy,” but it is sometimes referred to as “root-end surgery” or “root-end resection.”

During this procedure the infected or inflamed tissue in the bone area at the end of the root is removed. The end of the affected root is also removed, and may be sealed with a small filling. The surgical site is closed with a few well-placed sutures.

Am I a Good Candidate for Endodontic Surgery?

We may recommend surgical procedures if:

• A patient continues to experience pain and signs of infections following initial root canal treatment
• Portions of the affected tooth’s internal anatomy were inaccessible
• An infected bony area fails to heal
• Resorption or deterioration of the root arises
• Broken instruments are identified in the tooth
• Biopsies or samples of tissue are necessary to evaluate abnormal areas of bone

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

Precisely-positioned sutures help to encourage uneventful healing of gingival (gum) tissues and a short appointment will be needed to remove them a few days later. Moderate discomfort and swelling are not uncommon for a day or two after the surgery.  We will give you Advil or Tylenol at the appointment and most patients take additional doses for a day or two.  We will provide oral and written instructions on how to care for the surgical site. Most patients return to their normal activities and schedule the next day.  In the months following surgery the bone will naturally heal around the root tip. We will schedule a recall appointment in 6-12 months to take an xray and check on healing.  Many patients have been able to keep their teeth because of apicoectomy and other surgical techniques.

Patients have trusted the specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio for more than 2 decades. If you are having pain or swelling, call (210) 405-0473 to schedule an evaluation appointment. Our doctors will evaluate your problem and discuss your best options.