Endodontic Micro-Surgery

Endodontic microsurgery is minor surgery performed on the root-end of an infected tooth that has already received root canal treatment. The procedure also involves the placement of a filling to seal the root end.

Each of your teeth contains pulp – soft tissue full of blood vessels and nerves. If this pulp becomes infected, it threatens the health and integrity of the entire tooth. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed to save your tooth.

The pulp isn’t essential to the tooth’s survival as tissues that surround the pulp continue to nourish the tooth.

Non-surgical root canals like the ones described above are performed successfully all the time, but in some cases, they don’t adequately address the infection in your tooth. Endodontic surgery can locate small fractures or hidden canals undetected on your initial root canal treatment. The surgery can also remove calcium deposits in the canals of your teeth and treat damaged root surfaces.

The team at WisNova Institute of Dental Specialists uses advanced technologies like digital imaging and surgical operating microscopes. Endodontic surgery is performed quickly, comfortably and successfully.

One of the most common forms of endodontic microsurgery is an apicoectomy – also called root-end resection. Depending on the situation, this procedure can be done under local anesthesia or with sedation.

The doctors open the gum tissue near the tooth to view the underlying bone and remove any infected tissue. They also remove the very end of the root and place a small filling to seal the end of the root canal. Your bone then heals around the end of the root. You may have some post-procedure pain, but it’s generally mild and controlled with over-the-counter medications. You can work and do regular activities the next day.

If you’re in need of a root canal or endodontic microsurgery, trust the experts at WisNova Institute of Dental Specialists. Call the office or request an appointment online.