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Should You See an Endodontist for an Apicoectomy?

Posted on: February 27th, 2023 | Categories: Endodontics

If you’re looking for an endodontist near Worcester that does Apicoectomies, Worcester Periodontics may be a good option for you. While the dental office is primarily a periodontics practice, there is also an endodontist on staff, performing root canals and other endodontic procedures such as Apicoectomies. If your dentist told you to see an endodontist for an apicoectomy, the endodontist at Worcester Periodontics may be able to help.

What is an Apicoectomy (or root end surgery)?

When an infection happens at the root of the tooth, generally after an unsuccessful root canal, an apicoectomy is performed to remove the infected tissue at the tip of the root and replace it with a biocompatible material. Since endodontists specialize in treating the interior of the tooth and the roots they are often called upon by a general dentist to perform this procedure. A general dentist is even more likely to refer a patient to an endodontist for an apicoectomy if the infection is at a root that isn’t easy to access due to major nerves being close to the surgery site.

The process of the surgery includes making an incision to expose the root of the tooth. Once the root is exposed the root tip of the tooth is cut off, providing access to the infected bone tissue behind it. The infected tissue is then removed and replaced with a biocompatible material that will promote tissue growth.

Should you get an apicoectomy or an extraction and dental implants?

The main reason a dentist will suggest an apicoectomy is the fact that it keeps the natural tooth and is cheaper than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant and crown. Sometimes too much of the root has to be cut or too much tissue has to be removed, reducing the tooth’s stability. When this happens, an extraction and dental implant may be recommended. With a best case scenario, however, this procedure can buy the natural tooth several more years before an implant is needed.

If you live near Worcester and are looking for an endodontist, we urge you to book a consultation with our endodontist. The endodontist at Worcester Periodontics is highly rated and was awarded ‘Top Dentist 2022’ by Boston Magazine.

**Please Note Our Endodontist Does Not Currently Perform Apicoectomies**

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.

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