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Endodontic Surgery
Why would I need endodontic surgery?
Generally, root canal treatment is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy?
The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue and the end of the root are then removed. A filling is placed at the end of the root to seal the canal and the gum tissue is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months thereby restoring full function. Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended.
2415 NE 134th Street, Suite 311, Vancouver, WA 98686 
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