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
What is an apicoectomy?
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.
Under what circumstances would a patient require an apicoectomy?
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.
What happens during apicoectomy surgery?
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.
Is apicoectomy a painful procedure?
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.
