Apical Surgery
Occasionally conventional root canal therapy alone cannot save a tooth. In such cases, endodontic surgery may be recommended. Such is the case when inflammation or infection persists in the bone round the end of your tooth. By opening the gum tissue near the tooth, the underlying bone can be accessed to remove inflamed or infected tissues. The very end of the root is removed and a filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal. Stitches will be placed to help the gum heal properly. Over the following months, the bone heals around the end of the root. The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic in the same office setting as conventional root canal therapy. There will be a brief follow-up appointment 3-5 days after the procedure to remove the stitches.
For more information regarding apical surgery please visit The American Association of Endodontists website.