A Patient’s Guide to Endodontic Surgery

Endodontic surgery is a tried and tested procedure that is performed on dental ailments that cannot be resolved through regular root canal operations. While root canal treatment boasts of a high success rate with regard to saving teeth from infection and other conditions, in certain cases, extra measures are necessary. Here, the former may be the solution when the complications from the latter arise.

To understand what the surgery is all about, it is best to delve into what it is all about and what to expect from it. Read on for details.

Endodontic surgery explained

In general, endodontic surgery encompasses a wide range of treatments that are initially performed to address issues with the tooth’s root and/or its surrounding bones. The most common one is apicoectomy or root-end resection. Here is what is involved in the said procedure:

Accessing the root – Here, the endodontist creates a small incision in the gum tissue in an effort to gain entry to the infected bone and root tip.
Removing the infected area – The infected or inflamed tissue is strategically removed together with the end of the root tip.
Sealing the root – A small amount of filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal to prevent infections from happening.
Healing – The incision is carefully closed with stitches; in the process, the bone is going to naturally heal.

The benefits of endodontic surgery

One of the primary benefits of the said surgery is the preservation and safeguarding of the natural tooth, which offers a wide range of advantages over tooth extraction as well as replacement with artificial prosthetics. Other notable benefits are as follows:

Natural appearance – Properly preserved teeth can help maintain the natural appearance of one’s smile.
Efficient chewing – Natural teeth can provide more efficient chewing than traditional prosthetics.
Normal sensation – Maintaining the natural tooth can encourage normal sensation as well as biting force.
Protection of other teeth – Preserving the qualities of a natural tooth can help protect other teeth, especially nearby ones, from wear and/or strain.

Symptoms and indications that endodontic surgery is necessary

It should be noted that not all root canal issues are created equal. Some require the said surgery, while others do not. Below are some symptoms and indications that may be necessary.

Unresolved inflammation or infection that arise even after root canal treatment or re-treatment is performed.
Discovery of small fractures or hidden canals that were not initially detected.
Calcium deposits that accumulated in the root canal need to be removed.
A damaged root appears on the treated or surrounding bone.
Some teeth come with unusually shaped roots that are complemented by canals that are difficult to access with regular root canal tools and accessories.

Aftercare and recovery

In general, recovery from endodontic surgery is easy and hassle-free. In fact, a vast majority of patients report that they return to their normal activities within a day or two. However, to enjoy such qualities, it is best to ensure the right aftercare procedures. In the process, manage pain and discomfort with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Furthermore, bruising and swelling are common but typically subside within a set period. Patients are also advised to maintain a diet that is made up of soft food and avoid brushing near the site where surgery was performed. Follow up appointments are crucial for those who want to monitor the healing process and at the same time ensure the success of the surgery and the safety of the patient.

Success rate and safety

The success rate and overall safety of endodontic surgery vary and depend on a wide range of factors: type of procedure, tooth condition prior to safety, and overall health. However, studies and supporting clinical data consistently suggest high success and safety rates.

For instance, apicoectomy procedures have reported success rates of approximately 85 to 95%. In line with this, contributory factors may include pre-existing conditions and the strategy that was utilised by the endodontist.

Summing up

In the end, endodontic surgery is a worthwhile option for individuals who want to have a second chance for their compromised teeth. Advances in technology as well as methodology continue to boost its already fantastic outcome, making a reliable choice for those who want to make sure that their oral health is not compromised in any way.

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