When a Root Canal Isn’t Enough
Root canal therapy is a common procedure that eliminates decay in the pulp tissue of your tooth. In rare cases, however, bits of decayed tissue is left inside the tooth. This can lead to a more serious infection if left untreated, which can impact your entire mouth.
At Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Dr. Chadhry can perform an apicoectomy to save your natural tooth and preserve your oral health.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a procedure in which excess tissue is removed after root canal therapy. Dr. Chadhry will use advanced microsurgical technology to identify any channels that weren’t properly cleaned during the original procedure.
Neglecting to seek treatment for your infected tooth may result in severe health complications. Rest assured, Dr. Chaudhry will prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
When Is an Apicoectomy Necessary?
Apicoectomies are typically performed after failed root canal procedures. Dr. Chaudhry may recommend an apicoectomy to patients who’ve undergone a root canal and now experience:
Swelling and inflammation
Frequent or severe pain
Infection
Fracture in tooth’s root
If you’re experiencing persistent pain after your root canal, you may likely require an apicoectomy. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices in Bethlehem or Stroudsburg by calling us at (484) 821-1357. Dr. Chaudhry will assess your situation and determine the most effective treatment to alleviate your pain.
Benefits of an Apicoectomy
The benefits of receiving an apicoectomy include:
- Tooth Preservation: Failure to remove dead tissues and prevent/treat infection may result in tooth loss.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: By removing the dead tissues from the tooth channel, your risk of infection decreases significantly.
- Eliminates Pain: An apicoectomy can help alleviate any lingering pain caused by an unsuccessful root canal treatment.
How Is an Apicoectomy Performed?
Once Dr. Chaudhry has located the affected channels, he’ll begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
Then, he’ll make a small incision in your gums to lift the gum flap that’s covering the lower root area of your tooth. This will allow him to access the inner chamber of your tooth and treat the infection. Dr. Chaudhry will remove any decayed tissue left behind from your root canal. He’ll also remove any possible infected tissue surrounding the root.
After ensuring the canal is clean, Dr. Chaudhry will seal it with a small filling to prevent bacteria and future infection. Finally, he’ll apply stitches to your gums to begin the healing process. This procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an apicoectomy hurt?
Dr. Chaudhry will administer a local anesthetic beforehand so you won’t feel a thing during your procedure. You may experience slight discomfort after the numbness fades, but this can be treated with a cold compress and over-the-counter medication.
If you experience any lingering pain or swelling after a day or more, it may be a sign of a complication. Contact us right away at (484) 821-1357 to schedule an appointment so we can assess your situation and help alleviate your pain.
Can I return to work after an apicoectomy?
Most patients will be able to return to work the day after their procedure. If your job involves vigorous physical activity, Dr. Chaudhry may recommend that you take one or two days off to fully recover. He’ll provide you with a more accurate post-op timeline and instructions at your initial consultation.
Is there an alternative to this procedure?
The only alternative to an apicoectomy is to remove the affected tooth. We always strive to preserve your natural tooth before resulting in extraction. Dr. Chaudhry will discuss your options with you and help determine which treatment method will be most effective for your situation.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Chaudhry
Don’t let your fear of pain stop you from receiving the treatment you need. An apicoectomy can be the difference between a preserved tooth and an extracted tooth.
With years of advanced oral surgery and endodontics training behind him, Dr. Chaudhry has the experience necessary to ensure your treatment runs smoothly. You can contact our Bethlehem and Stroudsburg offices at (484) 821-1357 to schedule an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment Now