Please note we may not offer this treatment at our office. Contact our San Jose dental practice (408) 377-5134 for current availability and treatment options.
A Root Canal Treatment Alternative
An apicoectomy is a minimally invasive dental surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root, allowing your endodontist to clean and seal the root canal. This procedure is recommended when a traditional root canal treatment has failed to heal the tooth or abscess at the tip of the tooth’s root.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please contact our San Jose dentist, Dr. Amir HagShenas, by calling our dental office near you at (408) 377-5134. The dental team of Silicon Valley Smile Solutions proudly welcomes patients from throughout San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, also known as root end surgery or root end resection, is a specialized endodontic surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root when conventional root canal treatment has failed to heal properly. This surgical procedure allows your endodontist near you to access and treat infected tissue that persists after initial root canal therapy.
When you search for apicoectomy near you in San Jose, you’re likely dealing with a challenging situation where your natural tooth requires additional intervention to prevent tooth loss. This dental procedure specifically targets the root tip and surrounding tissue that may harbor persistent infection despite previous treatment attempts.
Why Choose Apicoectomy Over Tooth Extraction?
Unlike tooth removal followed by a removable partial denture or dental implant placement, apicoectomy preserves your natural tooth structure. This endodontic treatment option maintains your oral health while addressing the infected tissue surrounding the root end effectively.
Benefits of Root End Surgery in San Jose, CA
Patients seeking endodontic surgery near the San Jose area discover numerous advantages:
- Preserve Your Natural Smile: Saving your natural tooth remains the gold standard in modern dentistry. Our endodontic surgery approach focuses on maintaining your original tooth structure, avoiding the need for post restorations or removable partial denture solutions.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Modern apical microsurgery techniques used by our San Jose endodontist require only a small incision in the gum tissue. This advanced approach minimizes discomfort and promotes faster healing compared to traditional surgical procedures.
- Exceptional Success Rates: Studies show apicoectomy has high success rates exceeding 90% when performed by experienced specialists. Long-term follow-up data confirms that this dental procedure effectively treats bone loss and prevents further infection.
- Quick Recovery Time: Most patients return to normal activities within days of their root end surgery. The recovery time for this minor surgical procedure is typically shorter than for complex restorative treatments.
Am I a Candidate for Apicoectomy Near San Jose?
Your endodontist in San Jose will evaluate several factors to determine if root end resection is right for you:
- Failed Root Canal Treatment: When your previous root canal procedure hasn’t resolved the dental infection, and symptoms persist, apicoectomy may be the only alternative to tooth extraction.
- Persistent Infection or Abscess: If inflamed or infected tissue continues to affect the end of the root despite treatment, root end surgery can access and remove problematic tissue that conventional endodontic treatment can’t reach.
- Complex Root Anatomy: Teeth with curved canals, calcium deposits, or unusual anatomy may require apical microsurgery to achieve complete healing. The entire root system needs thorough cleaning for optimal outcomes.
- Anatomical Considerations: When the affected tooth sits near important structures like sinuses or nerves, our San Jose dentist may recommend root end surgery as the safest treatment option.
The Apicoectomy Process
Understanding the surgical procedure helps patients feel more comfortable during treatment. Here’s what happens during root end surgery at our San Jose practice:
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Your endodontist near me will review your X-ray images and medical history. Local anesthetic ensures complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Accessing the Root Tip
A small incision in the gum tissue provides access to the root tip and surrounding bone. Advanced techniques minimize tissue disturbance and promote healing.
Removing Infected Material
Specialized instruments remove the infected tissue surrounding the root end. This step addresses inflammation that persists despite previous treatment.
Root End Filling
After thorough cleaning, a small filling seals the root end, preventing further infection. This biocompatible material integrates well with your surrounding tissue.
Healing and Recovery
The gum tissue is carefully sutured to promote optimal healing. Most patients experience only minor bleeding and minimal discomfort following the procedure.
Post-Procedure Care
Following your root end surgery in San Jose, proper aftercare supports healing and prevents complications:
- Take prescribed medications as directed to manage pain and prevent infection
- Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Avoid hard foods and maintain gentle oral health practices
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your San Jose endodontist
- Contact our office immediately if you experience unusual pain or inflammation
Frequently Asked Questions
Apicoectomy recovery time typically ranges from a few days to one week, depending on individual healing factors and the complexity of your surgical procedure. Most patients resume normal activities within two to three days.
The apicoectomy procedure itself is not painful thanks to the effective local anesthetic. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter medications and typically resolves within days.
Most dental insurance plans recognize apicoectomy as a necessary endodontic treatment for failed root canal therapy. Contact your insurance provider or our San Jose office to verify coverage details.
Yes, root end surgery can effectively treat bone loss caused by chronic infection at the root tip. Removing infected tissue allows bone regeneration in the surrounding area.
Schedule Your Apicoectomy Consultation in San Jose Today
Don’t let a failed root canal compromise your oral health. Contact Silicon Valley Smile Solutions at (408) 377-5134 to discuss your endodontic surgery options with Dr. HagShenas. Our experienced team helps patients throughout San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara preserve their natural teeth through advanced apicoectomy techniques.