What Happens If a Root Canal Alone Cannot Save a Tooth?
If a root canal treatment alone cannot save a tooth, your trusted team and Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics is here to help. We may recommend an alternative endodontic procedure known as an apicoectomy or root-end surgery to save the affected tooth and relieve you of your pain and discomfort.
Why Would a Root Canal Treatment Fail?
Root canal therapy saves millions of teeth each year. The highly effective endodontic procedure boasts a more than 95 percent success rate. However, in some rare instances, a root canal treatment may not be sufficient to save a tooth. Factors leading to an unsuccessful root canal include a narrow dental canal filled with calcium deposits, a minuscule dental fracture, or a tooth that did not heal correctly.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is a procedure that targets infected or damaged tissue near a tooth’s roots. It is typically required if an infection persists or a new one develops after root canal therapy or endodontic retreatment.
The microsurgical procedure involves the removal of the tip of the tooth’s roots, known as the apex, along with any surrounding infected or damaged tissues. We’ll place a filling to seal the end of the root to prevent the infection from recurring. Once the infection is gone, the area will begin to heal. An apicoectomy is the last resort to save a diseased tooth when a non-surgical endodontic procedure fails.
How Successful Are Apicoectomies?
In the past, it was quite challenging to ensure the success of root-end surgery. Thanks to today’s technology, the procedure’s success rates are higher than ever before. At Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics, we perform apicoectomies with the help of a dental operating microscope using ultrasonic instruments for increased surgical precision and outstanding treatment outcomes!
Why Choose an Endodontist for Your Apicoectomy?
Endodontists are the only dental specialists with the skill, training, and precision to perform the most intricate endodontic procedures, including root-end surgery. They are the experts at restoring damaged teeth to their natural, healthy state.
Quality Endodontic Treatments Near Me
Contact Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics to learn more about root-end surgery to preserve a damaged tooth when a root canal alone cannot save it. Our team is happy to answer all your questions and address your concerns. You can always count on us for outstanding, gentle care! Call us and schedule your appointment today!