Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy is an oral surgical procedure that is not performed in all dental clinics. Many associate it with endodontic treatments as it is closely related to root canal treatment. If your dentist has referred you to an apicoectomy, feel free to contact us with confidence because at our clinic the procedure is performed by an experienced oral surgery specialist, dr. Marko Miličić.
What is apicoectomy (apicectomy)?
Apicoectomy is a compound, derived from Latin and Greek, respectively::
- apico = root apex
- ektomia = to cut, remove.
Apicoectomy is considered a healthcare procedure because its primary goal is to preserve the tooth. It eliminates inflammation from the top of the tooth by cutting and removing the tip of the root (apex). The procedure is applied in cases of pathological inflammation with the aim of prolonging the tooth’s life.
When is apicoectomy recommended?
To perform an apicoectomy, it is necessary for the affected tooth to be firmly anchored in the bone. This procedure is recommended:
- when we want to protect the tooth from further decay.
- when we want to avoid the extraction of the tooth.
- when inflammation has not extensively damaged the healthy bone above the tooth.
- when conservative treatment methods, such as endodontic procedures, have not been effective in achieving satisfactory results.
- in cases of chronic inflammation or fractures at the tip of the root (granuloma or abscess).
- when the patient has a cyst at the tip of the root.
Advantages of apicoectomy
Apicoectomy is performed with the aim of prolonging the life of the tooth. It represents the last hope for saving the tooth before extraction. In cases of extensive inflammation which resulted in bone destruction, tooth extraction is the only option, followed by one of other two options:
- Placement of a dental implant which replaces the root of the natural tooth + placement of an abutment onto the implant + artificial tooth, i.e. dental crown.
- A three-unit bridge placed on natural teeth as the support.
Protocol
After preparation, which involves the application of anaesthesia and endodontic treatment, the apicoectomy procedure itself – takes about 30 minutes. Of course, the duration depends on the number of roots the affected tooth has.
- Local anaesthesia.
- If necessary, the tooth is endodontically treated, i.e. the canals of the tooth are cleaned and widened and then filled before or during the apicoectomy.
- The oral surgry specialist performs incision in the gum tissue and lifts it to access the root of the tooth.
- The inflamed apex of the root is removed, i.e. granulation tissue at the apex.
- Root resection. The root canal is filled with various mixtures and materials to prevent the formation of micro-fissures and new inflammation.
- Follow-up examination and suture removal 7 days after the surgical procedure.
Is apicoectomy painful?
Although it is an oral surgical procedure, apicoectomy is painless as it is performed under local anesthesia. Several hours after the procedure, the patient does not feel any unpleasant sensations in that area. However, it is advisable to take analgesics (pain-relieving medications) for two days.
Why should you choose to do apicoectomy at Miličić Dent Polyclinic?
If saving your tooth is of utmost importance to you and you want to be sure that it will be done by an expert, Miličić Dent is the right choice for you. Dr. Marko Miličić, a specialist in oral surgery, has extensive experience in performing apicoectomy procedures.
