Apicoectomy

An endodontist is a trained and experienced provider that has additional education above and beyond the traditional dentist degree. Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman are pleased to provide endodontic treatments for patients in and around the area of Beverly Hills, California. One common treatment performed is the apicoectomy surgery.

What is an apicoectomy?

When patients have had root canal therapy, the endodontist has removed the dental pulp from inside of the natural tooth and sealed it to avoid the entrance of bacteria that may lead to an infection. However, if an infection or inflammation does occur following this procedure, the endodontist may need to perform a procedure known as an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is essentially the removal of the root tip called the apex, and a filling procedure that seals the root of the tooth and protects it from further infection. If infected roots are not treated in the earlier stages, it can cause damage elsewhere, impacting other teeth and causing jawbone regression to occur.

Why might a patient need an apicoectomy?

There are a few situations that may arise that might require a patient to undergo an apicoectomy. These include:

  • Blocked root canal
  • Curved or narrow root canals
  • Small adjoining root branches
  • Failed root canal therapy
  • Continued infection

What can I expect from surgery?

The apicoectomy is a procedure that is done while patients are under local anesthetics and proper sedation to ensure they are comfortable. The endodontist will make an incision in the gum tissues to expose the root. Some of the jawbone may also be removed to expose the root and allow the endodontist to remove the tip. Any infected connective tissue is removed using ultrasonic instruments. Once completed, the root is sealed using retrofill and the gums are sutured with several dissolvable stitches. Patients leave the office with post-operative care instructions, and a follow-up appointment is made.

Discuss your needs with our team today

If you need an apicoectomy surgery and live in the community of Beverly Hills, California, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with our team at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry. Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman can be reached at (310) 861-3955 and are available at 465 North Roxbury Drive, Ste. #703.

Frequently asked questions

An apicoectomy is the removal of the root tip called the apex, followed by a filling technique that closes the root and protects it from future infection. If infected roots are not treated early on, they might cause harm elsewhere, affecting adjacent teeth and causing jawbone retraction.

Apicoectomy may be required if a person has a blocked root canal, curved or narrow root canals, tiny adjacent root branches, unsuccessful root canal treatment, or persistent infection.

The endodontist will create an incision in the gum tissues to reveal the root. The preferential jawbone may also be removed to expose the root and allow the endodontist to remove the tip. Ultrasonic devices are used to remove any contaminated connective tissue. After that, the root is sealed with retrofill, and the gums are sutured with dissolvable sutures.

Apicoectomy is a surgery performed while patients are sedated and given local anesthetics to guarantee comfort. Patients are given post-operative care instructions and are scheduled for a follow-up consultation.

The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr.Frank Vidjak
Dr. Vidjak has been a prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr. Fanny Yacaman
Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received many awards and has published articles in the area.