Occasionally, a non-surgical root canal procedure is not enough to save your tooth and the next steps need to be discussed. Your endodontist may recommend minor surgery in the form of an apicoectomy, more commonly known as a root-end filling. An apicoectomy is sometimes referred to as endodontic ‘microsurgery’, with good reason! Although the procedure is under the surgical category, the process is quick and virtually painless with exceptionally high success rates. Here’s how an apicoectomy can save your tooth:

What Should I Expect During and After My Apicoectomy

During an apicoectomy, your endodontist will remove the infected tooth’s root tip and place a small filling in the root to seal the end of the root canal. The procedure should not take longer than 30-60 minutes, and in most cases you can drive yourself home afterwards. The micro-surgery will be performed under local anesthesia, such as a numbing shot, so it is a painless procedure. Following your apicoectomy, you may experience minor swelling and soreness near the tooth that was treated. 

The good news for those in need of an apicoectomy is that the success rate for the procedure is very high- 97%! It is also a permanent solution, so you will never have to worry about that stubborn tooth again. Patients who have undergone this procedure report supreme satisfaction and only minor discomfort in the day following their apicoectomy. 

If your root canals are not enough to save your tooth, don’t fret- the next option is not as invasive as some would think. In less than an hour, your endodontist can permanently and painlessly save your tooth! Don’t let the fear of ‘surgery’ prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. 

If you have a problem tooth and would like to discuss your options, visit Intercoastal Endo and make an appointment today. Our Myrtle Beach endodontist will guide you through your best options for saving your tooth.