Surgical Root Canals

Root Canal Specialists in Blacksburg, VA

Endodontic Surgery

In some cases, a nonsurgical root canal procedure won’t be enough to save your tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate small fractures or hidden canals previously undetected on X-rays during the initial treatment. Surgery may also be needed to remove calcium deposits in root canals, or to treat damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone of the tooth.

Endodontic surgery explained

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. In some cases, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. 

There are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common is called an apicoectomy, or root-end resection, which may be needed when inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure.

Surgical Root Canals Blackburg Virginia

What is an apicoectomy?

In this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed.

A small filling may be placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gums to help the tissue heal properly.

Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.

What to expect after endodontic surgery:

Most patients can return to work or other routine activities the next day. Our endodontist will be happy to discuss your expected recovery time and follow-up appointments with you.

Following the surgical root canal procedure, there may be mild discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. You can also use a warm compress and eat softer foods.

About Endodontic Surgery
Provided by the American Association of Endodontics

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