What Is a Root Canal Surgery?
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, the non-surgical approach of a root canal, may not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend apical micro 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.
During the apicoectomy, 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 gums are sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring 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, appropriate pain medication will be recommended.