What is the goal of surgical endodontics?
The primary goal is to save your natural tooth by addressing hidden or stubborn issues that conventional methods cannot resolve.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the infected root tips or apex and the nearby tissue. This is known as an apical surgery or an apicoectomy. The area around the apex of the tooth that is infected is cleaned, and the tip of the root is resected and sealed. Sutures are placed and an ice pack is applied. Medication is prescribed to help alleviate any pain or discomfort and it is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients will have some minor swelling and occasional bruising with some numbness.
What Is Surgical Endodontics?
Surgical endodontics, often referred to as endodontic microsurgery, is an exact dental procedure used to diagnose and treat complex conditions within the root structures of your teeth. This technique allows us to address issues that traditional root canal therapy cannot resolve, such as hidden fractures or persistent inflammation. By using state-of-the-art technology, we can access, treat, and preserve problematic teeth, helping you maintain a healthy and confident smile.
Benefits of Surgical Endodontics
- Minimally invasive and precise: Endodontic microsurgery treats hard-to-reach areas of your tooth with minimal impact, leading to faster recovery and less discomfort.
- Preserve natural teeth: Avoid extractions by saving damaged or infected teeth, which will help you maintain your natural smile and oral function.
- Enhanced diagnostics: This technique identifies hidden dental issues, such as blocked canals, calcified structures, or small fractures, that standard X-rays might miss.
- Improved long-term success rates: Thoroughly clears infections and seals root structures, reducing the risk of reinfection and ensuring lasting results. Customized care: Expert endodontists create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique dental needs for the best outcomes.
Procedures offered
- Apicoectomy: This procedure, also known as root-end surgery, removes infected tissue at the tip of the tooth's root. The area is cleaned, sealed, and sutured to promote healing and prevent reinfection.
- Endodontic Microsurgery: These procedures include:
- Root Amputation: For multi-rooted teeth, we can surgically remove an infected or unstable root, preserving the remaining healthy structure and saving the tooth from extraction.
- Intentional Re-implantation: The endodontist gently extracts the tooth, treats it to resolve issues such as infection or structural damage, and carefully reimplants it back into its socket for continued use.
Why Choose Sterling Endodontics?
- Unmatched expertise and advanced technology – Our team is equipped with cutting-edge tools, such as Zeiss microscopes and CBCT imaging, to ensure precision and excellence in every procedure.
- A commitment to patient comfort – We prioritize your comfort with a focus on painless procedures and a welcoming, compassionate environment.
- Proven track record of success
Led by board-certified endodontist Dr. Juheon Seung, Sterling Endodontics combines innovation and experience to deliver outstanding results for every patient. - Convenient and accessible care
With locations in Glen Burnie, Rosedale, and Timonium, we make it easy for you to receive top-tier endodontic care close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Endodontics
Is surgical endodontics painful?
No—our focus is on patient comfort. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, the procedure is virtually painless.
How do you decide if I need surgical endodontics?
An in-depth evaluation, including imaging, will help our team determine if surgical endodontics is the best option for your dental health.
What happens during an apicoectomy?
The procedure involves removing infected tissue near the root tip, cleaning the area, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
What are the recovery times like?
Most patients recover quickly, with minimal discomfort. We’ll provide you with personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How is surgical endodontics different from a regular root canal?
A root canal addresses problems within the tooth, while surgical endodontics handles issues at the root’s exterior or surrounding structures that aren’t accessible through a traditional root canal.
What if surgical endodontics isn’t an option?
If surgical endodontics isn’t recommended for your situation, our team will discuss alternative treatments, which may include extractions or prosthetic solutions.
Are there any risks involved?
Complications are rare when performed by skilled endodontists. Our team will carefully explain any potential risks and how we mitigate them.