
Endodontic MicrosurgeryIn Laguna Niguel, CA
What Is An Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, also called root-end surgery, is an endodontic microsurgical procedure used when a conventional root canal alone isn’t enough to fully resolve infection or inflammation at the tip of a tooth’s root. This procedure can help save a tooth that might otherwise be at risk.
During an apicoectomy, Dr. Gharavi carefully removes any inflamed or infected tissue along with the very end of the tooth’s root (apex). A small filling is placed at the end of the root to seal it and prevent future infection, and a few sutures are placed to help the area heal. Over time, the surrounding bone will regenerate, helping to restore the tooth’s stability and function.
Advanced technologies, including digital imaging and operating microscopes, allow this procedure to be performed with precision, comfort, and high success rates. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the next day, and post-surgical discomfort is typically mild.
The Benefits of an Apicoectomy
Preserve Your Natural Tooth
An apicoectomy is a precise microsurgical procedure that removes the infection at the tip of the root while saving your natural tooth. By keeping your own tooth, you maintain your natural smile and chewing comfort, avoid the need for extraction and artificial replacements, and support the long-term health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
Targeted Relief at the Source
An apicoectomy, or endodontic microsurgery, is a precise procedure that removes the infected tip of the root and seals the area, eliminating persistent infections deep within the bone and preventing reinfection. It is especially helpful when conventional root canal retreatment is not an option, as it can target infection near the root tip without disturbing an existing crown or post.
Promotes Long-term Healing and Success
By removing the infected tissue and sealing the root end, the procedure eliminates the source of persistent infection and allows the surrounding bone to properly heal. This promotes long-term stability, prevents reinfection, and offers patients a highly successful way to preserve their natural tooth and maintain full chewing comfort.
The Apicoectomy Treatment Process
Step 1: Access and Clean
Dr. Gharavi will begin by gently numbing the area and making a small incision in the gum to access the tip of the tooth’s root. Using advanced digital imaging and magnification tools, the precise location of the source of the infection will be identified. The infected or inflamed tissue, along with the very end of the root, is carefully removed to eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of future infection.
Step 2: Seal and Protect
When it comes to endodontic microsurgery, precision is key. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, Dr. Gharavi uses high-powered magnification to access the root tip and place a biocompatible filling to seal the canal and prevent reinfection. Every step is performed with meticulous care to ensure long-term success and the best possible outcome for our patients.
Step 3: Closure and Recovery
Your comfort and healing are our top priority. The gum tissue is gently repositioned and sutured. Our dedicated team provides clear, personalized aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
sedation options
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Root canal treatment focuses on cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth — the pulp space and root canals. Endodontic microsurgery, on the other hand, treats persistent or non-healing areas around the outside of the root. Our microsurgical techniques, performed under high magnification, allow precise removal of affected tissue and sealing of the root end for long-term healing.
Contemporary endodontic microsurgery is performed in a calm, controlled environment with a strong focus on personalized pain management. Using modern anesthesia techniques, the area is completely numb before treatment begins. Throughout the procedure, your comfort is carefully monitored to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience. After treatment, any post-operative tenderness is typically managed with cold compresses and prescribed medication.
.avif)