Apicoectomy
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Restoring Dental Health
The Importance of Apicoectomy at Z Dentist in San Antonio
Did you know that the stability of your teeth is largely due to their robust roots, which anchor them securely to your jawbone? Teeth like molars and premolars typically have three roots, while front incisors have just one. At the root's tip lies the apex, where blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth, supplying essential nutrients and keeping it healthy as they transport blood upward toward the crown—the visible part of the tooth. At Z Dentist in San Antonio, Texas, we can resolve issues related to failed root canals through our apicoectomy procedure.
When a patient requires a root canal, our skilled dentists meticulously clean the canals and eliminate any infected or inflamed tissue within the root. However, in some instances, the infection can persist even after root canal therapy, prompting our dentists to perform an apicoectomy. This procedure involves removing the apex of the root and sealing it with a filling to prevent any further infection. An apicoectomy is crucial for preventing additional damage, stopping the spread of infection to neighboring teeth, and protecting the jawbone. Rely on Z Dentist, where our compassionate and highly skilled team is dedicated to your dental health.
When an Apicoectomy is Necessary
When the soft tissue surrounding the apex of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to significant discomfort. At Z Dentist, we perform apicoectomies to eradicate the infection and restore proper tooth function, thereby preventing the potential need for extraction. It’s important to note that we only consider an apicoectomy if a root canal procedure has already failed.
Understanding the reasons behind an infection that can lead to root canal failure is essential:
- Blocked Root Canal: If a root canal is obstructed by a fractured instrument from prior treatments, an apicoectomy may be necessary. Infections and debris can severely impact nearby teeth, so we aim to prevent any further damage throughout the mouth.
- Root Branches: The roots of a tooth contain numerous small branches that can complicate root canal treatments. If the dentist is unable to clean and seal these tiny branches effectively, inflammation may persist, making an apicoectomy necessary to resolve the issue.
- Curved or Narrow Root Canals: In some cases, the shape of the root canal can make it challenging for the dentist to access the apex during a root canal procedure. If this is the case, an apicoectomy is essential to minimize the risk of infection spreading or ongoing inflammation.
What happens during an apicoectomy?
We begin by prescribing an antibiotic to address the infection prior to the procedure. Next, we take panoramic X-rays to ensure our dentists can adequately prepare for the apicoectomy.
When it's time for the procedure, we provide a local anesthetic for your comfort. The dentist will then make a small incision in the gum to access the root. In some cases, they may need to remove a small section of the jawbone if the apex of the root is not visible.
Using ultrasonic instruments, the dentist will carefully remove the root tip along with any infected connective tissue. After that, they will seal the root with a filling and stitch up the gum to promote healing.
Patients are typically scheduled to return in 7-10 days to have their stitches removed.