Apicoectomy Manchester & Windsor, CT

Ideally, a root canal removes the infection from a treated tooth, but the root of the tooth may have many tiny branches where bacteria may remain or come back. If your tooth becomes infected again after a root canal has been performed, our Manchester and Windsor, CT team of dentists usually suggests an apicoectomy. An effective solution, an apicoectomy takes out any infected gum tissue along the tooth's root, as well as the infected tip or tips. Also referred to as endodontic microsurgery or root-end resection, an apicoectomy may save the upper area of the tooth to avoid disturbing a restoration, like a crown or bridge. After one or more unsuccessful root canal treatments, contact Connecticut Endodontic Associates to find a better solution through an apicoectomy.

Candidates for an apicoectomy will have already had a root canal treatment that was unsuccessful, resulting in the infection returning or remaining in the root tips. After you get a root canal, a dental bridge or crown is often used to protect and strengthen the treated tooth. This makes another root canal or endodontic retreatment challenging if an infection reoccurs since these procedures could weaken or destroy the bridge or crown. In these cases, an apicoectomy at Connecticut Endodontic Associates may be the best treatment to clear up the current infection while also preventing other infections.

Before starting a procedure, one of our dentists will assess your mouth and then discuss your options before selecting an apicoectomy. For the actual treatment, local anesthesia will be administered. Sedation options can be added based on the complexity of your treatment or if you have dental anxiety and fears. We will start by creating an incision through the gum tissue to expose the tooth's root. Any infected tissue and root tip will be addressed before the area is thoroughly cleaned. To make sure the infection is completely removed, a dental dye will help to highlight tooth cracks. Once your tooth is sealed, your dentist can close the gums using stitches.

After an apicoectomy, we may write a prescription for antibiotics or pain medication. You may want to use ice packs or cold compresses to alleviate inflammation for the first day following your treatment. You might experience some bruising, numbness, or soreness for a few days. We will discuss specific instructions for your recovery at home. To help speed healing, you need to avoid aggressive cleaning and hard foods. If needed, you should come back to our office in a few days to have your stitches removed. Typically, your mouth should heal around two weeks after your procedure. To avoid future problems, you need to have a home oral care routine with frequent flossing and brushing. Additionally, you need to schedule yearly dental examinations and twice yearly professional cleanings at Connecticut Endodontic Associates so we can watch your dental health and address problems early on.

In most cases, an apicoectomy is covered at least partially by your dental insurance. We can contact your insurance provider to determine your personal costs. For the remaining out-of-pocket costs and for patients without insurance, we accept several payment methods. During your initial consultation, we can tell you about medical financing that can help make your treatment more affordable.

When you're still getting infections after one or multiple root canal treatments, an apicoectomy at Connecticut Endodontic Associates may be a good solution. An apicoectomy removes the infection from the root tips without disturbing restorations (bridges and crowns). To learn more or to make a consultation with one of our dentists, contact our office in Manchester and Windsor, CT.