Index
It is the most common treatment of canal surgery to remove the tip or apex from the root of a tooth when it becomes infected.
Apicectomy is a type of endodontic microsurgery.
A small part of the tooth’s root is removed in this surgical practice, and the surrounding soft tissue may be infected.
It is possible that apicectomies also involve the removal of a cyst at the root of the tooth.
Indications
There are several reasons to perform an apicoectomy; among them, we have:
- There is the impossibility of performing orthograde endodontic therapy due to pathological, anatomical, or iatrogenic defects of the root canal.
- The presence of infection after endodontic treatment.
- When you have to do a biopsy.
- There is a need to evaluate whether the root apex is to be sectioned or fractured.
- To remove iatrogenic errors such as steps, fractured instruments, and perforations that are not fulfilling their therapeutic function.
- When there is a blockage of the root canal.
- When you must remove a section of the root to the place where it integrates the material of the duct filling.
- When necessary, as a further stage in preparation to perform a retrograde filling.
Limitations
Within the limitations that exist to performing an apicoectomy, we have:
- The presence of systemic diseases.
- The existence of an anatomical complexity because the nerve, cortical and bony structures are very close with much thickness.
- When there is a crown/root ratio, unfavorable.
- When the treatment that has been indicated is to restore an endodontic therapy.
Advantage
In the treatment of apicoectomy, there are certain advantages:
- A deep examination of the root apex and the environment can be performed with an apicoectomy.
- An apical root canal with problems can be eliminated.
- Removal of accessory canals at the root apex can be achieved.
Disadvantages
An apicoectomy also has certain disadvantages, such as:
- With apicoectomy, the length of the tooth root is cut.
- The apical dentine is exposed to the apicoectomy devoid of cement, which facilitates microfiltration at the apex.
Diagnosis
Before starting this procedure, the diagnosis is made by studying the images (radiographs) of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone.
The medical history is made by reviewing the type of medication the patient uses and the diseases they suffer.
Contraindications
- Patients with blood disorders due to postoperative complications that may occur.
- During pregnancy.
- Patients present systemic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, chronic liver disease, and chronic kidney disease.
- Patients with psychic illnesses.
Process
The apicoectomy is usually performed with a local anesthetic that numbs the tooth and adjacent gums, a small incision is made in the gum, and the infection is checked at the apex end of the tooth root.
Usually, a dye is used to check the cracks or fractures to suspend the apicectomy and extract the tooth.
Once the tooth’s root is checked, a microscope is used to examine the ducts for their tiny size.
The cleaning is performed, the tip of the tooth’s root is removed, and the infected tissue is together a few millimeters from the end of the heart.
The tooth’s canal is filled with an inert material sealed with a filling, preventing bacteria from entering the channel and causing infections.
A bone graft is placed in the affected site to complete the procedure, and finally, the gum is closed with a suture.
Apicoectomies usually last between 30 and 90 minutes.
Post-operation
The sutures usually disappear within the next two weeks; if the procedure is successful, in about six months, the bones will replace the cavity from which the apex of the root or cyst was removed.
The area where the intervention was performed will feel sore, and swelling may occur. Some antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or treat any dental infection.
Likewise, analgesics and anti-inflammatories will be recommended.
It is necessary to keep the area clean to prevent infections inside the mouth, so antiseptic mouth rinses should be applied, and very gentle brushing should be started on the teeth and gums.
It is also recommended to follow a soft diet after the procedure.
Risks
The treatment of apicectomies performed on the upper part of your jaw can hurt the paranasal sinuses.
