Looking For
When a tooth infection persists even after a root canal treatment, saving the natural tooth becomes challenging. In such cases, an advanced surgical procedure called an apicoectomy can help preserve the tooth and prevent extraction.
It is the surgical resection of a root tip of the tooth and its removal together with pathological periapical tissue .
It is indicated when an infection persists after conventional endodontic therapy , for evaluation of apical seal .
The procedure is commonly needed if a previous root canal failed, if there is a cyst or if anatomical complexities prevented a full cleaning during the initial treatment.
According to Cohen et al length of root tip resection depends upon frequency of lateral canals and apical ramifications at root end .
- Effectiveness of 3mm Resection
It was found that when apical 3mm is resected , lateral canals are reduced by 93% and apical ramifications by 98%.
If apicoectomy is not possible the alternative is usually tooth extraction, followed by a dental implant or bridge.
