Saving badly damaged teeth once and for all with specialty surgical endodontics treatment
Surgical endodontics may sound like a mouthful. However, we are simply referring to those surgical procedures that are performed on the insides of the teeth (“endo” refers to “inside” and “odont” to “tooth”). As a specialty practice, Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is equipped to provide an array of advanced endodontic procedures to potentially preserve even the most badly damaged teeth from our offices in Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, Illinois. In these cases, the tooth may have been assessed as “too far gone” to be saved, or a previous treatment (such as root canal therapy) may have failed to heal properly.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and other endodontic procedures?
Generally, root canal treatment may be all that is needed to save teeth with deep or severe injuries from extraction. Occasionally, however, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to correct the problem. Your dentist, for instance, may recommend you to our specialists, Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny, for advanced care and treatment planning. Depending on what they find, endodontic surgery may be used as a diagnostic tool as well to find any anatomical challenges or other complexities with your tooth that could manifest as persistent pain, infection, and damage. These complexities include certain fractures or hidden, circuitous, narrow root canals.
What surgical procedures might be used to save my tooth?
The most common type of endodontic surgery is called “apicoectomy,” or root-end resection. This technique involves treating damaged root surfaces and the surrounding bone.
How do you perform apicoectomies?
We first start by making an opening in the gum tissue. All of this is done to a thoroughly numbed tooth. You won’t feel anything. We can also discuss other options for anxious patients to relax during treatment. Now, after the opening has been made, the bone is exposed, along with the neighboring inflamed tissues. True to its name, the root end or tip and any other damaged tissues are removed. A special filling material is applied to close up the site and encourage healing. This step effectively seals off the roots. Lastly, the incision is closed, and the bone naturally heals to restore the function and health of the tooth in the coming months.
What can I expect afterward?
As the incision site heals, it is not unusual to experience some swelling and tenderness. We can prescribe medications and advise on ways to ease discomfort and support fast, predictable healing. We also advise on appropriate after-care to set your treated tooth up for success and clear any persistent infections. Of course, Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is always available to address any concerns.
To start the process today, schedule an appointment at one of our four area locations – in Mount Prospect, IL at (847) 255-7080, Chicago at (773) 736-3300, Bartlett (630) 289-5002, or Elk Grove Village (847) 593-0535.
