Most people are familiar with root canals, but there’s another important dental procedure that’s not as well known — an apicoectomy. In some cases, a root canal in Mountain View may not be enough to save your natural tooth. Before resorting to having your tooth pulled, your dentist may recommend getting an apicoectomy as a last-ditch effort to save your tooth. 

Read on to learn more about the apicoectomy procedure, when you might need one, and where you can find the best endodontist in Mountain View to perform this procedure. 

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a highly successful surgical procedure that involves removing the tip of a tooth's root and the surrounding infected tissue. This procedure is typically done when a root canal treatment has failed to remove all of the infected tissue or if your tooth root is severely damaged and not healing well.

What Happens During an Apicoectomy?

During an apicoectomy, an endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to access the root. The tip of the root is then removed, along with any damaged tissue from around it. An endodontist in Mountain View will then clean and seal the root canal with a material that can prevent any further infection.

An apicoectomy is typically performed with local anesthesia and is considered a relatively minor surgical procedure. It is often the last resort for saving a tooth before pulling the tooth becomes necessary.

When You May Need an Apicoectomy

If you are experiencing persistent pain and swelling in your gums, it may be a sign that you have an infection in the root area of a tooth. Typically, a root canal is a first-line treatment for this, but if you’ve already had a root canal and your symptoms come back or persist, you may need an apicoectomy.

Other reasons for an apicoectomy include:

  • Treat a fracture in the lower part of the tooth caused by injury such as facial trauma or biting down on something hard 
  • Removing calcium buildup in the root canal 
  • Removing a tooth root that’s developed a hole or dental abscess after a root canal 

It is important to note that not all cases of persistent tooth pain or swelling require an apicoectomy. Seeing an endodontist is the only way to know if this treatment is right for you.

What to Expect When You Get an Apicoectomy

If you think you may need an apicoectomy, you might be having some anxiety about the procedure. Knowing what to expect can help calm your nerves ahead of your appointment. Here are some things you can expect: 

  • Before your procedure 

Before the apicoectomy, your endodontist will explain the details of how the procedure is done and answer any questions you may have. You will also be given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure — which may include avoiding certain foods and medications.

  • During your procedure 

During your apicoectomy, your endodontist will make a small incision in your gum to expose the root of the affected tooth. Then the tip of the tooth root will be removed, along with any damaged tissue from a tooth infection. A small filling will be used to seal the end of the root canal before closing the incision. 

  • After your procedure 

After your apicoectomy, you may experience some minor swelling and discomfort. Your endodontist will provide you with instructions on how to care for the affected area. This may include taking pain medication and avoiding certain foods until after you have healed.

Overall, apicoectomies is usually a simple procedure that takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Recovery is usually easy, and most people return to their usual activities within 24 hours of the procedure — especially if microscope technology is used. 

Where to Get an Apicoectomy in Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, or Palo Alto 

An apicoectomy is a procedure that requires a high degree of precision and experience to be successful. Few endodontists in Palo Alto can say that they perform this procedure with as much accuracy and success as Dr. Beddawi. Over the years, Dr. Beddawi and her team have perfected microsurgery and are considered the best endodontists in Mountain View. 

With empathy and modern technology as her north star, Dr. Beddawi is known as “Dr. TLC” for her impeccable attention to detail and patient comfort, as well as her dedication to carbon-neutral endodontics. 

Whether you’re looking for a root canal in Mountain View or an apicoectomy, the team at Modern Endodontist is here to help! Providing the highest level of care to patients in the Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, and Palo Alto areas. 

Ready to have your tooth pain treated with an apicoectomy?