Understanding apicoectomy endodontic surgery in Augusta, GA
At Augusta Endodontic Center, we offer a full range of endodontic treatments. Although nonsurgical root canal treatment is usually sufficient to eliminate infection and restore the health of a tooth, surgery is occasionally necessary. The most common endodontic surgery is apicoectomy, also known as root end surgery.
When is endodontic surgery needed?
The most common reasons that patients may need endodontic surgery include:
- Locate microfractures that cause pain, yet do not show up on x-rays
- Locate hidden canals in the tooth root that are not detected by x-ray
- Treat damaged bone or tooth root surfaces
- Remove calcium deposits from the root canals
- Repair a tooth with a fractured root
About the apicoectomy procedure
An apicoectomy is the most commonly performed type of endodontic surgery. It is a very straightforward, micro surgical procedure which is used to remove the tip of the tooth root. This procedure may be necessary if there is persistent inflammation and infection of the bony area after a root canal procedure.
Due to technologies such as operating microscopes and digital imaging, the apicoectomy procedure is fast, comfortable, and reliable. Your endodontist begins by creating a small incision in the gum tissue to access the bone. Next, the very tip of the tooth root, along with inflamed or damaged tissue surrounding it, is removed. A special type of filling is used to restore the tooth root, and then the incision is closed with sutures.
Endodontic Surgery
There may be some swelling after an apicoectomy procedure, as is normal with virtually any surgery. Pain and discomfort during apicoectomy recovery is generally mild. We will recommend an appropriate pain medication to help keep you comfortable. You may also be advised to use an ice pack to help reduce swelling.
Why choose Augusta Endodontic Center for your procedure?
The idea of having surgery, even a very minor procedure, can be intimidating. However, you can feel confident knowing that your oral health is in good hands when you choose Augusta Endodontic Center. Our team includes trained, certified, experienced endodontists who share a common goal of providing top quality treatment with minimal patient discomfort. Call us at (706) 800-9118 to schedule.
Dr. Emmanuel Ngoh has over
20 years of experience in dentistry. An alumnus of the Medical College of Georgia’s Schools of Dentistry
and Allied Health and Kennesaw State University, he practiced as a General Dentist for
four years before specializing in endodontics. He founded Augusta Endodontic Center to fulfill the
endodontic needs of patients in the area.
Dr. Ngoh is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental
Association, Christian
Medical and Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and Augusta Dental
Society. He is a Faculty Member of the Georgia Regents University, College of Dental
Medicine and has contributed to many research projects and journals. His efforts have been
recognized with many awards and being voted as one of Augusta‘s Top Dentists by the Augusta
Magazine.