Understanding Apicoectomy Surgery: What Is It and Why Is It Needed?
The team at Marina Endodontics of Long Beach, California, works with patients who have experienced issues such as abscesses, infection, or damage to the smile. Dr. Ahmed Sadek ensures the proper procedure for the specific needs of a new patient. One treatment provided at the office is apicoectomy surgery.
What is the apicoectomy procedure?
Apicoectomy surgery is a particular type of root end surgery designed to treat the infected portion of a tooth root. It is also known as endodontic microsurgery, and it involves removing the very tip of the tooth’s root and sealing it to prevent further infection. This is performed by a trained and experienced endodontist, such as Dr. Sadek.
This surgical procedure is usually done when a traditional root canal treatment has failed or cannot be performed due to complications. This procedure is generally recommended for teeth that have already undergone a root canal but still have persistent infections. It also treats damaged or infected tooth roots caused by fractures or previous trauma.
What happens during the apicoectomy surgery?
In this procedure, the endodontist will make a small cut in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to gain physical access to the root. The endodontist removes the tip of the tooth’s root and any infected tissue. He also cleans and shapes the root canal to ensure no infected tissue remains. After the root has been thoroughly cleaned, a special filling material is used to seal the end of the tooth’s root and prevent any further infection. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place, and the healing process begins.
What apicoectomy aftercare instructions are recommended after the appointment?
Following your procedure, Dr. Sadek will provide aftercare instructions to follow closely to ensure proper healing and recovery. These may include:
- Taking prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
- Avoiding hard or very crunchy foods, which can damage the sutures and incision site
- Using ice packs that will reduce swelling and discomfort
- Keeping the surgical site clean by gently brushing and rinsing with warm salt water
- Scheduling a follow-up appointment to check on healing progress
Request an appointment today!
If you suspect you might benefit from the apicoectomy procedure, call our office at (562) 600-4305 to schedule an initial visit, consultation, and evaluation with Dr. Ahmed Sadek and his team at Marina Endodontics. The office is located at 6511 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite G3. It is open to new and returning patients of the Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Belmont Heights, Seal Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Orange, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Westwood, Whittier, Downey, Lakewood, Fountain Valley, Bixby Knolls, Cerritos, Carson, Bellflower, Huntington Beach, California.
