Apicoectomy in Smyrna and East Point, GA

Young woman holding her mouth in pain

Please note that we may not offer this treatment at our office. Call our dental offices for more information. 

Apicoectomies: A Root Canal Treatment Alternative

When a root canal fails, an apicoectomy is a minimally invasive dental surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, allowing your endodontist to clean and seal the root canal. This procedure is recommended when a traditional root canal treatment has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please contact our Smyrna & East Point, GA, dentist by calling our dental office in Smyrna at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559

About Our Dental Offices

At JLM Dental Studios, we’re dedicated to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile through personalized, conservative care using state-of-the-art technology. Led by Dr. Jarrett Manning, a nationally recognized dentist, entrepreneur, and media personality, our practice serves the Smyrna, Vinings, East Point, and greater Atlanta communities with a commitment to excellence in both general and cosmetic dentistry. We believe that preventive care and patient education are the foundations of optimal oral health, which is why we focus on comprehensive exams, oral cancer screenings, and thorough cleanings rather than simply treating disease.

Our highly trained team maintains the highest standards of infection control and stays current with the latest dental techniques through ongoing education. Beyond clinical excellence, we prioritize building trust with every patient, creating a welcoming environment where even those with dental anxiety can feel comfortable and relaxed. Whether you need routine care, restorative treatments, or a complete smile makeover, we’re committed to providing the exceptional, personalized service that makes each visit as pleasant as possible.

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What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery performed to treat a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal treatment but failed to heal. It’s also known as a root-end resection or root-end surgery.

During a conventional root canal, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s canal, cleans it, and fills it with a material to prevent further infection. Sometimes the tooth doesn’t heal properly, and infection persists. In such cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading further.

Benefits of Apicoectomy

There are several benefits to having an apicoectomy performed, including:

  • Saving the Natural Tooth: An apicoectomy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your overall oral health.
  • Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, an apicoectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision in the gums.
  • High Success Rate: With proper care and maintenance, an apicoectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent.
  • Short Recovery Time: The recovery process for an apicoectomy is usually quick and easy, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

Candidacy for Apicoectomy

Your endodontist will evaluate your case and determine if an apicoectomy procedure is best for you. Here are some factors that may make you a good candidate for an apicoectomy:

  • Failed Root Canal Treatment: If you’ve already undergone a root canal treatment, but the tooth has failed to heal, an apicoectomy may be necessary to save the tooth.
  • Infection or Abscess: If there’s an infection or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root, an apicoectomy can remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage and tooth pain.
  • Narrow or Curved Canals: If the canals in your tooth are narrow or curved, it may be difficult for your endodontist to clean them properly during a traditional root canal procedure. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary to remove any remaining infected tissue.
  • Proximity to Important Structures: If the affected tooth is near nerves or sinuses, an apicoectomy may be the best option to avoid damaging these structures during the procedure.
Dental checkup

The Apicoectomy Process

An apicoectomy is usually performed using a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Dental sedation can also help the patient relax during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the case’s complexity. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

  1. Your endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the infected tooth to access the root tip.
  2. They’ll then use specialized instruments to remove the inflamed or infected tissue and clean the root tip.
  3. Once the root tip is cleaned, your endodontist will fill it with a biocompatible material for a permanent or temporary filling to prevent further infection.
  4. The gum tissue will be sutured back in place to promote healing.

After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions for post-operative care. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

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