Overview of Endodontic Surgery
The goal of a root canal is to fully remove the infection from your tooth, but the tooth roots have multiple tiny branches where bacteria may remain or come back. If your tooth gets re-infected after you have had a root canal done, our team of board-certified endodontic specialists typically recommend an apicoectomy. An effective solution, an apicoectomy takes out any infection in the gum and bone near the tooth's root, plus the affected tip or tips. Also known as a root-end resection or endodontic microsurgery, an apicoectomy may save the upper area of the tooth and avoid disturbing a dental restoration (crown or bridge).
The Apicoectomy Process
To begin the treatment, local anesthesia will be applied to needed areas. Sedation methods can be added based on the complexity of your treatment or for dental anxiety and fears. We will start by creating an incision through the gum tissue to reveal the tooth's root. Any infected tips and surrounding tissue will be addressed before the area is thoroughly cleaned. To make sure the infection is completely removed, a dental dye will highlight tooth cracks. As soon as your tooth is sealed, we can close the gums using sutures.
Western Mass Endo Reviews
I had a tooth infection during the holidays and WME was able to take me in right away. I highly recommend them, especially Dr. Eric Shapiro. Dr Shapiro is extremely talented and kind. The staff I encountered were also very kind. Even though it's a long drive for me to get there (out of state), I'll be going back to see Eric if I ever need another root canal!!
Amazing experience. Got straight to the point and had me out of there in 45 minutes. I felt no pain at all. Thank you so much!
Dr. Eric Shapiro was amazing. Very fast root canal, very nice. I was shocked how quick and painless it was. I highly recommend booking him. He was so nice
Dr. Scott was incredibly professional, poised, efficient, friendly, informative, and helpful. I cannot believe that I had absolutely no pain with this root canal (okay ... except for the novocaine shots) ... Tylenol took care of the very minimal discomfort later in the day, but by the next day I was completely ache-free. The entire experience was well beyond what I expected ... I highly recommend Dr. Scott at WME. His assistant was beyond helpful, comforting, and informative. She absolutely made a difference to lessen my angst prior to the procedure. She was fabulous. Thank you to you both ... I am elated that I chose WME, and I am delighted that my experience included you both. Enjoy !
Dr. Shapiro: Thank you again for making my root canal experience a relatively pleasant one. I was particularly impressed with the painless way you made the four injections. Coming out of the dentist office feeling better than when I went in was all due to the way you handled my experience.
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Recovering From an Apicoectomy
After an apicoectomy, a member of our team may write a prescription for antibiotics or pain medication. You can use cold compresses or ice packs to reduce inflammation for the first day following your procedure. You might experience some numbness, soreness, or bruising for 3 – 5 days. One of our endodontic specialists will talk to you about further instructions for your recovery period.