Apicoectomy is an oral surgical procedure that removes the tip of the tooth root (apex), most often due to chronic inflammations or fractures in the area of the root tip (granulomas or cysts). Apicoectomy is performed under local anesthesia, which means that the treatment is painless.
Symptoms of inflammation/fracture of the tooth root
If you feel pain or swelling of a tooth that has already been endodontically treated, you should seek the help of a dentist. In this case, the dentist will perform an X-ray of that area (tooth and surrounding bone) and a clinical examination to decide whether it is necessary to perform an apicoectomy. Root canals are very complex, especially around the root tip. Sometimes after an endodontic procedure, infectious debris remains within the branches of the canal. This can lead to later reinfection and the need for apicoectomy. During apicoectomy, the root tip with inflammatory and infected tissue is removed and the root tip is sealed with canal filling.
Causes of oral cavity problems
The primary causes of oral cavity problems can be endodontic (a part of dentistry that deals with the treatment of dental pulp and roots), periodontal (coming from the soft tissues in the oral cavity surrounding the teeth), or a combination of both.
In addition to them, traumas and complications during the treatment of dental tissues are also an important factor. Pain, swelling, fistula (a newly formed canal through which the inflammatory content drains to the surface of the tissue) are the most common symptoms of these conditions. Sometimes these lesions are discovered quite accidentally on x-rays and can be without any external symptoms for a long time.
For larger and more persistent processes, it is sometimes possible to palpate the bone above the dental crowns, which is soft (ping-pong ball effect). Their size ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
After the procedure, our dentist at DOC Bandić will suggest the following steps for a faster recovery:
1. Applying cold compresses to the site of the procedure to reduce swelling.
2. Taking analgesics in case of pain.
3. Taking antibiotics to shorten postoperative recovery.
4. Maintaining oral hygiene and brushing around the wound with gentle movements to remove deposits.
5. Consuming liquid food after the procedure while avoiding hot drinks and food.
6. Avoiding smoking immediately after the procedure.
7. Avoiding alcohol.
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