Apicoectomy (root-end cyst surgery)

The first step in understanding apicoectomy surgery is to gather information about tooth anatomy. Inside your tooth, there is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The pulp extends from the top of the tooth, called the crown, to the root, where it connects to your circulatory and nervous systems. The tissue around the tip of the root may become infected and painful again after a root canal treatment. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy, or the removal of the root tip. This procedure is used to identify the location, fractures, infection, or hidden canals that are not visible in X-ray images but cause pain. The damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone may also be treated with this method.

Note: After several stages of root canal treatment, or in cases where a bridge is placed on the tooth, if the root canal becomes infected and painful, the dentist may recommend an apicoectomy.

Steps of performing an apicoectomy:

  1. Injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the infected tissue.
  2. Making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and the inflamed surrounding tissue.
  3. Removal of the inflamed or infected tissue, along with the tip of the root.
  4. Filling the root tip with specialized material and sealing it.
  5. Using several stitches to help the area heal faster.

Post-operative care after apicoectomy surgery:

  1. Keep the sterile gauze placed by your doctor on the surgery site in your mouth for one hour. Speak with your mouth closed, swallow your saliva, and avoid spitting.
  2. Apply a cold compress, provided by the clinic, during the first 24 hours. Place it on the wound for five minutes, then remove it. On the second day, rest. On the third day, if there is swelling, use a warm compress.
  3. If there is bleeding at the surgery site, moisten a tea bag, place it on the wound, and contact us.
  4. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain. To relieve the pain, you can take the prescribed painkillers.
  5. On the second day, rinse your mouth with mouthwash or saline solution (diluted saltwater) to disinfect.
  6. For the first 12 hours after the extraction or surgery, only consume cold, liquid foods. Avoid chewing on the side that underwent surgery for up to one week.
  7. For about a week after surgery, avoid heavy physical activity, smoking, and using a hookah.
  8. Finally, avoid disturbing the wound and stitches. If you experience any issues, please contact us.
 

Why does the dentist recommend an apicoectomy?

If an infection occurs after root canal treatment and persists, an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, may become necessary. If this surgery is recommended to you, it means that your tooth cannot be saved with regular root canal treatment. Often, the only alternative to an apicoectomy is tooth extraction, which may affect nearby healthy teeth. The goal of an apicoectomy is to preserve the function of your natural tooth.

Summary

Our teeth are held in place by roots that extend into the jawbone. An apicoectomy is a procedure in which the tip or apex of the tooth root is removed. A dental specialist may recommend an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, to remove infected tissue.

Apicoectomy is a common procedure that can be the best choice for saving a natural tooth from infection or extraction. Even though the procedure may be challenging, it remains a suitable and satisfactory option as it restores your oral health.

FAQ

FAQ

What services are offered at Dr. Hamed Keramat's Specialized Dental Clinic?
At Dr. Hamed Keramat’s Specialized Dental Clinic, you can benefit from various aesthetic services such as veneers, bleaching, prosthetics, dental crowns, and a range of treatment services including dental and gum surgery, scaling, and Botox in the jaw and face area.
Dr. Hamed Keramat’s Specialized Dental Clinic is located in Tehran, Saadatabad, Darya Boulevard (between Sardar Darya and Kowsar Square), building 157.
To inquire about the exact cost of dental services at Dr. Hamed Keramat specialized clinic, you can contact us at 021-88694120 and 021-88694913.

Dr. Hamed Keramat specialized clinic is open on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays in the afternoon shift, and on Tuesdays and Sundays in the morning shift to serve you, our esteemed patients.

To book an appointment at Dr. Hamed Keramat specialized clinic, simply call 88694120 or fill out the contact form on Dr. Keramat’s clinic website, and our experts will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

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