Overview
Root canal therapy ideally removes an infection from within a tooth. But in some cases, the root of the tooth may contain multiple small branches or accessory canals where bacteria may hide and cause damage. If your tooth is badly infected or develops another infection after a root canal has been performed, the best treatment option may be an apicoectomy. A long-lasting solution, an apicoectomy from Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY is an endodontic microsurgery procedure that removes the affected root tip(s) (apex or apices) and any diseased bone tissue surrounding the area. An apicoectomy only affects the root tip (not the visible crown portion) and can save the tooth from needing to be extracted while preserving the crown or other restoration on the tooth. If you have a recurring infection in a root canal-treated tooth, contact our practice to schedule a visit with experienced oral surgeons Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, or Luis Delgado and learn about your options for an apicoectomy.
Best Candidates
Ideal candidates for an apicoectomy are patients who have received a root canal in a tooth, yet the infection has returned or remained in one or more of the root tips. After you receive root canal therapy, a crown restoration is usually placed to protect and strengthen the tooth. If the presence of the crown makes a second root canal or retreatment difficult, an apicoectomy may also be considered to save the tooth. Other situations in which an apicoectomy may be ideal is when tooth roots curve or bend in a way that makes proper root canal therapy extremely difficult or potentially unsuccessful. Regardless of the cause of infection, our Albany, NY clinical team will use advanced cone beam imaging scans to evaluate the roots of the affected tooth and accurately determine if an apicoectomy is a good treatment option to restore oral health.
What to Expect
Before starting apicoectomy treatment, our surgical team will examine your mouth and then talk about your treatment options and expected outcomes. Apicoectomies are surgical procedures that are performed under local anesthesia and may be combined with sedation techniques to improve your comfort or minimize any dental anxiety. When you are ready, our team will create an incision in your gums and bone to reveal the tooth root. The infected tissue and root tip(s) will be surgically sectioned and removed. We will use advanced techniques to ensure the infected area is thoroughly treated and disinfected before suturing the gum tissues in the area. Instructions on how to care for your mouth and when to return for a follow-up exam (or to have sutures removed) will be provided at the end of your visit.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Everyone at the office was friendly, kind and instantly made me feel safe/not worried about the procedure. I was able to make an appointment with ease in a very timely fashion. My issue was treated in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend this practice! Every part of my experience was wonderful
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Following the procedure, a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics may be given. You can use cold compresses or ice packs to alleviate swelling following your procedure and may notice some soreness, numbness, or bruising for a few days. To help speed healing and protect the area, it is best to avoid hard or crunchy foods and treat the area with care and caution. Typically, your mouth should be healed in about two weeks after the apicoectomy; however, the bone may take several months to fill in. To minimize future problems, we recommend that you maintain a good home oral care routine with daily flossing and brushing along with routine preventive care visits as recommended by your general dentist.
Insurance Coverage
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that is often partially covered by dental insurance plans. Prior to the day of your visit, our team will contact your insurance to learn about your coverage and estimate any personal costs. At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we strive to make it as easy as possible to get the care you need and accept several payment methods, including third-party medical financing plans with CareCredit®.
Apicoectomy
When a tooth infection continues to impact your oral health following root canal therapy, the surgical solution of an apicoectomy may be the appropriate course of care. An apicoectomy removes the infected root tip(s) and surrounding infection while saving the tooth and preserving oral health. To find out more or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified experts, contact Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY right away.