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Ryan P. Perry, DDS
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Dentist Said I Need an Apico Instead of Root Canal

Posted on August 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

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

Filed Under: Emergency Dentist Tagged With: apicoectomy, apicoectomy vs root canal, emergency dentist, i, repeat root canal, root canal, root canal therapy

Phone number: 225-275-5910
9094 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Ryan P. Perry, DDS
Phone: 225-275-5910
Ryan P. Perry, DDS
9094 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70809
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  • Baton Rouge Dentist
  • About Us
    • About Our Office
    • Meet Dr. Perry
    • Request an Appointment
    • Office Hours
    • Map and Directions
    • Financial Policies
    • Free Initial Exam
  • General Dentistry
    • Gum Disease
    • Root Canal Treatment
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Mercury Free Dentist
    • Gentle Dentistry
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Sedation Dentist
    • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Sleep Apnea
  • ^
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Dental Bonding
    • CEREC Crowns
    • White Fillings
  • Reconstructive Services
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Implants Cost
    • Affordable Dental Implants
    • Dental Bridges
    • Dental Bridge vs Implant
    • Dentures
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