Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for August 2022

Dentist Said I Need an Apico Instead of Root Canal

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Our family was out of the country for three weeks. A toothache that has been bothering me for the past months got really bad, so I had to go to an emergency dentist. It’s a tooth that had a root canal 2 years ago. The emergency dentist said I need probably need to see an endodontist for a procedure called an Apico??? I have been a little slack about going to the dentist, and I haven’t seen one since I moved last year. What is this procedure, and do I really need it? – Greg from Armon, NY

Greg –

The procedure that the emergency dentist is referring to is an apicoectomy. When you receive a root canal treatment, a dentist cleans out the canals of a tooth root the very tip to remove the infection. A filler material is used in the empty space. An apicoectomy uses a different approach.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a procedure that accesses the tooth root through an opening in the gum tissue instead of the crown of a tooth. A trained dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) will take these steps:

  • Remove the inflamed or infected tissue and the root tip
  • Fill the root with a special material and seal the tooth
  • Use stitches to close the area and help it heal

In a few months, the jawbone will heal around the tooth root.

At times, infection in the canals in the tooth can remain, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Sometimes, a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) performs a second root canal. If a second root canal treatment fails or if it is impossible to complete it, an apicoectomy may be the preferred method.

You can receive a second opinion from another dentist who will examine your tooth and recommend treatment.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Root canal emergency diagram of five procedure steps
Root canal therapy access a tooth from the crown, but an apicoectomy is performed at the root tip

Dentist Won’t Whiten My Teeth Unless I Get a Root Canal

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My dentist will not whiten my teeth unless I get a root canal. My first molar needs a root canal, but I want my teeth whitened first. I even asked my dentist to extract the tooth and let’s move on to whitening, but she won’t do it. A root canal and crown cost more than I am ready to pay for right now. Even with dental insurance, my out-of-pocket cost will be almost $1,000. Don’t I have the right to get the treatment that I want? Abel from Charleston, WV

Abel,

Thank you for contacting us.

Dr. Szarek would need to examine your tooth and x-rays to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

What Are the Effects of First Molar Tooth Extraction?

If your dentist removes a first molar tooth as you wish, it will affect your chewing efficiency and bite. Without replacing the tooth, neighboring teeth will shift, creating the need for orthodontic treatment. Then, your dentist would rightly recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant to prevent the misalignment of other teeth and the need for braces.

First Molar Root Canal Therapy

Saving your first molar with root canal treatment makes sense and costs less than extraction in the long term. We recommend talking to your dentist about the pros and cons of root canal versus tooth removal. If you have a tooth infection, prompt root canal treatment will prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or your jawbone. Your dentist can explain why you need root canal therapy if she has not already done so.

Get a Second Opinion

Remember that another dentist may agree with your current dentist that root canal treatment is the priority for your oral health. If you and your dentist cannot agree on treatment, you can consider getting a second opinion on your first molar tooth and teeth whitening options. Before your appointment, send a copy of your dental records and x-rays to the second opinion dentist.

Dentists commit to protecting your oral health. Many may not agree to a course of treatment that puts your oral health at risk. You may need to see another provider if you insist on your preferences. Although you have the right to the treatment you want, be sure that you understand how delaying a procedure affects your short- and long-term oral health.

 

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Before-and-after Kor teeth whitening photos
The KöR Whitening System gets dramatic results. Your dentist will ensure your teeth are healthy first.
Photos courtesy of KöR Whitening