In most cases, a root canal is required to rescue teeth with damaged pulp from extraction. This non-surgical technique may not always be enough to heal the tooth, and the endodontist may recommend surgery. 

At Prime Endodontics, endodontic surgery can be performed to find fractures or hidden canals that do not show up on X-rays yet cause tooth pain. This method can also address damaged root surfaces or adjacent bones. Apical microsurgery, also known as root-end excision, is the most common procedure performed to preserve injured teeth.

When Is Microsurgery Recommended?

When a regular root canal treatment has already been conducted on a tooth but is insufficient to save the tooth and avoid subsequent issues, our endodontist may recommend surgery.

An apicoectomy may be helpful in averting complications that could impact many teeth later on if there is an anatomical concern with the root tip, such as one root crowding into the area of the root next to it.

If our endodontist recommends an apicoectomy, it is because it is the only option other than removing your entire tooth. If your tooth would be removed, you would require an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to keep the neighboring teeth from shifting.

How Is Microsurgery Performed?

Before your surgery, we will take X-rays of your teeth and jaw. This allows our endodontist to view what's going on with your root canals, roots, and any surrounding bone and tissue.

Before beginning the treatment, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area. The endodontist will then create a small incision in your gums surrounding the tooth. The bone will be examined, and infected tissue will be removed.

If necessary, the endodontist will remove the end of the root and refill the root canal tip to seal it. The gums will then be stitched to help them heal. Your bone will recover around the root over time.

What Is the Purpose of a Microsurgery?

Our endodontist performs microsurgery procedures for a variety of reasons. The most common is attempting to repair a root canal-treated tooth.

Most root canals last a lifetime, but occasionally the tooth does not heal properly and becomes reinfected. To save the tooth and avoid extraction, our endodontist in Kirkland, WA will perform an apicoectomy to remove the affected tissue.

You may also require microsurgery if:

• Calcium deposits in the root canal need to be removed
• Problems that aren't visible on X-rays need to be found and addressed
• A fracture needs to be addressed 
• The tooth has additional roots and cannot be treated in any other way
• Bone loss is causing loose teeth
• A hole-ridden root must be removed

For more information on microsurgery, visit Prime Endodontics at 1029 Market St., Suite 10, Kirkland, WA 98033, or call (425) 440-2000.