Typically a root canal is all that is needed to save an inflamed or infected tooth from extraction. Occasionally, root canal treatment or retreatment will not be sufficient for your tooth and the surrounding tissues to heal properly. In these cases Dr. Baur may discuss a surgical option to attempt to save the tooth from extraction.

During an apicoectomy procedure, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. A small opening is created in the bone over the tip of the root to expose the disease area. The diseased tissue is removed and the root tip cleaned and sealed with a root end filling. Sutures are used to hold the gum tissue back in place. Surgical endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthetic. The procedure should not be painful. Dr. Baur takes extra precautions prior to initiating any treatment to make certain that patients are comfortable and that the tooth and the surrounding tissues are completely anesthetized. Endodontic Surgery is completed in one appointment. A second appointment, typically one week following the surgery, is needed to remove any sutures that are still present and to check the healing of the gum tissues. Bone will naturally heal around the root over a period of months, during which time the patient should not have any symptoms.