Periapical surgery, also known as apicoectomy, may be indicated for various conditions and is closely related to root canal treatment. Read on to understand the indications and compatibility of periapical surgery and root canal treatment.
Understanding Periapical Surgery
Periapical surgery is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the infected tissue surrounding the apex of a tooth. This is typically performed when a tooth has a persistent periapical infection, which has not been effectively resolved with non-surgical root canal treatment.
Indications for Periapical Surgery
The following are the indications for periapical surgery:
- Persistent Infection: When a periapical infection does not resolve after root canal treatment, periapical surgery may be recommended.
- Complex Root Canal Anatomy: In cases where the root canal system is complex or inaccessible through traditional root canal treatment, periapical surgery may be necessary to address the infection.
- Root Fractures: If a tooth has a fractured root and the infection cannot be resolved through conventional means, periapical surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and seal the root end.
- Residual Apical Pathology: In some cases, there may be persistent apical pathology even after root canal treatment, necessitating periapical surgery to address the remaining infection.
- Failure of Previous Root Canal Therapy: When a previous root canal therapy has failed to resolve the infection, periapical surgery may be indicated to effectively treat the problem.
Compatibility with Root Canal Treatment
Periapical surgery is often considered as a complementary treatment to root canal therapy. While root canal treatment aims to clean and disinfect the internal portion of the tooth, periapical surgery addresses the infection surrounding the apex of the tooth. In some cases, both treatments may be needed to fully resolve a periapical infection and save the tooth.
The Procedure
During periapical surgery, the dentist or endodontist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone and infected tissue. The infected tissue is then removed, and the apex of the tooth is carefully examined and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place to promote healing.
Conclusion
Periapical surgery is an important treatment option for cases where conventional root canal therapy is inadequate in resolving persistent periapical infections. Understanding the indications for periapical surgery and its compatibility with root canal treatment can help patients make informed decisions about their dental care.