When endodontic surgery may be just what the specialist orders and A guide to the apicoectomy procedure

Endodontists like our own Drs Damaries Candelario-Soto, Yanina Figueroa, Joseph Yoo, Shaletha Bolden and Yasir Al-Drugh are most commonly associated with nonsurgical root canal therapy. However, Endodontics Associates of Georgia also specialize in surgical procedures to resolve damage at the tooth’s center. After all, “endo” refers to “inner,” and “odont” refers to “tooth.” A collection of surgical and nonsurgical procedures is available at Atlanta, Kennesaw, Cartersville, and Roswell offices to treat diseased tissues and structures inside the tooth. These treatments include apicoectomy.

Also known as “root-end resection,” apicoectomy is the most common surgery administered by endodontic specialists. We use advanced diagnostic imaging and sophisticated surgical instruments, such as endodontic microscopy, to plan your treatment in exacting detail. The process primarily involves accessing the underlying bone. Comfort is supported throughout treatment with our minimally-invasive techniques and precision anesthetic. We are also happy to discuss other methods to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery. As its nickname suggests, the ends of troublesome tooth roots are removed. Surrounding inflamed tissues are also removed during treatment. The treated areas are then sealed off with small fillings. Incisions made to access the bone are closed. These final steps promote healthy healing of the bone around the treated roots in the following months. 

Is endodontic surgery in your future?

Nonsurgical interventions with root canal therapy are often appropriate for patients whose damaged teeth cannot be restored with a simple filling, inlay, onlay, or hygiene modifications alone. However, some patients’ teeth present with anatomical complexities or are challenged to heal following root canal treatment. We may confirm that you are a good candidate for surgical intervention if: 

  • Pain or other symptoms of infection persist
  • The treated tooth becomes reinfected
  • Tiny fractures that initially went undetected are present
  • Complex cases arise; for instance, a hidden or particularly narrow canal is detected
  • Calcium deposits exist within a root canal 
  • The root surface sustains damage 
  • The supportive bone around the tooth requires treatment

As specialists, we are trained in advanced surgical procedures and have invested in sophisticated technologies that can’t be found elsewhere. We look forward to overcoming any challenges or setbacks you may have encountered. If you’ve been told you are not a good candidate for root canal therapy, we also encourage you to contact the specialists in endodontic procedures: Endodontics Associates of Georgia. Please schedule your appointment at our Atlanta office by calling (770) 954-8338.