A nonsurgical solution such as root canal therapy is generally preferred whenever possible. However, there are times where endodontic surgery could prove vital for saving the tooth. For example, it can be used to find issues that don’t show up on an X-ray, or it can be used to remove calcium deposits that prevent traditional root canal instruments from reaching the end of the tooth root. Whatever your needs, our board-certified endodontic specialists are here to make sure that endodontic surgery in our Worcester, MA endodontic office is a success so that you can enjoy a healthy, fully functional tooth for the rest of your life.
The most common form of endodontic surgery is apicoectomy, which is sometimes called root-end resection. We may recommend it if there’s still signs of inflammation or infection in the bony area around the tooth roots after root canal therapy. The surgery involves removing the inflamed or infected tissue along with the end of the tooth root. Then a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal. The tooth will be fully restored by the time the bone heals.
Sometimes it may be easier to remove the tooth and perform the endodontic procedure while it’s outside of the mouth. This treatment is called “intentional replantation.” The name comes from the fact that the tooth is removed with every intention of putting it back in its socket. This is one of many different kinds of surgery we might recommend, and we’ll always consider our options carefully before deciding on the kind of treatment you’re most suited for.
If you choose not to have endodontic surgery performed, then oftentimes the tooth in question will have to be extracted altogether. You’ll then have to pay for an implant, bridge, or partial denture to fill in the gap if you want to continue chewing and smiling normally. Even the most advanced form of tooth replacement can’t match the benefits of your natural teeth, so to protect your oral health (and save money), it’s always better to save the tooth when possible, whether that means undergoing endodontic surgery or another procedure.
