Apicectomy

 

Apicectomy


Apicectomy is a procedure of removing the tip of tooth’s root, which is known as the apex. This minor surgical operation is usually carried out under local anesthesia, if infection or cysts persists after Root canal treatment or the dentist is unable to seal the root tip with the normal root filling. An apicectomy cannot eliminate the infection without a root filling, which must be carried out first.

Procedure : Initially surgeon will numb the tooth and the surrounding area. A flap of gum tissue is lifted and the tip of the root, small amount of surrounding bone and infected tissue are removed. The area is cleaned and disinfected. The tip of the root is cut back by few millimeters. A small filling is placed in the root to seal the root tip. The gum is stitched back in to place with dissolvable stitches.

Post surgery care: Follow the advice given by the doctor in using the pain relievers and antibiotics. Some bleeding may occur after the local anesthetic wears off. Use gentle pressure for 5 min by biting gently on a sterile gauge. If bleeding persists, consult or call the dentist. Avoid smoking as this may delay healing. You should expect a small amount of gum recession around the apicectomy tooth, especially if it is a crown and there may be faint scar line higher up on the gum.

Risks and Complications:

- The procedure may not be successful, especially if the pre-existing root filling is poor or it has split/damaged the tooth’s root.

- You should expect a small amount of gum recession.

- You may have to have the operation repeated which can reduce the prognosis for keeping the tooth long term.

- With upper teeth, the infection can enter the sinus area and cause further problems.

- In the lower jaw there is a minor possibility of injury to the sensory nerves. This may cause numbness or tingling of the lower lip and tongue. It may take several weeks to recover and in rare instances the numbness may be permanent.

About the author:

: Dr. Abhilash Dandy

: B.D.S

I graduated as a Dentist from Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur. I have done my externship program at Rutgers school of dental medicine, New Jersey, USA. I have clinical experience of 3 years and currently working as Administrative head — Dental wing in MediCub India, Hyderabad.

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