Apicoectomy
An overview of endodontic surgery.
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy?
The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
Central Coast Endodontics - Daniel J. Pierre DDS MS INC
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A very good, painless, and friendly experience. Thank you!
- Lev M
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I highly recommend Dr Pierre and his team if you need any help with teeth treatments. They do an amazing job making sure you feel comfortable and confident with you being in their care. I loved my experience with them.
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Staff and doc was great especially Brittany
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Truly remarkable dental experience!
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Best experience ever, Awesome doctor and staff! Thanks!
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Bravo!, or I should say: Bravissimo! That includes everyone. Thank you, that was effortless on my part! Jim Dooley
- James
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Best dentist I’ve been to!
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Excellent and professional service
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A most pleasant experience which is an unusual phrase for a root canal appointment. The doctor and staff are highly excellent providers. I appreciated their kind attention to my comfort and dental needs.
- Jeannie-kay N
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Thanks again for getting this done without pain.
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All exceptionally fine.
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I highly recommend Dr. Pierre, gentle hands pain free, staff was great!
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Everyone in this office went really out of their way to make my experience more pleasant. There are so many thoughtful touches that you don’t usually find in a doctors office. Very hospitable and good at what they do.
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I was very happy with my treatment Dr. Pierre and his staff are great.
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Excellent service, friendly staff. Dr Pierre very gentle, kind. Very happy with whole experience.
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