Apicoectomy Surgery
If a root canal procedure fails to stop the infection in the jaw,
an apicoectomy may be the last measure to save the tooth.
Occasionally, the abscess at the end of the root will not heal after
the completion of the root canal therapy and the infection and
inflammation will cause the tooth to be painful when biting. It is
then necessary to remove the abscessed area by surgery.
To prevent the infection from progressing, and the resulting abscess
from growing, a small incision is made through the gums into the jaw
just above the affected tooth. A small incision is made over the end
of the root, and the infected tissue is removed. The area is cleaned
and flushed, and a suture placed to close the wound. With the
infected area removed, and the incision closed, new bone will fill
in the abscessed region.
If you are experiencing pain 3-4 days after a root canal procedure,
you should notify your surgeon.