Apicoectomy: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Apicoectomy is also know as root end surgery. This procedure is obtained when you need a root canal therapy. When there are complications associated with your root canal which requires a root end surgery this procedure is obtained. Root canal is the pulp which is adjoined with your tooth and helps your tooth to grow. The problems associated with the root canal are caused due to deep decay caused by cavities, past unsuccessful surgeries, a severe injury involving your tooth. When a root canal is done, the infection is primarily cleaned out. Thus, during an apicoectomy the tip of the tooth (also known as the apex of the tooth) is removed with the infection that is associated with it. This procedure thereby tries to eliminate the risks of the rejuvenation of the infection again. However, an apicectomy is only carried out when the root canal treatment is unsuccessful. The possible reasons why the root canal treatment was a failure may be because the teeth had vigorous and unusual roots, there might be presence of cysts around the root etc. If the root canal therapy does not work, in order to save your tooth, we seek the help of this procedure. Once this procedure is over, the tooth will be preserved for a long time.

This procedure involves an incision on your gum of the affected tooth while you are on anesthesia. You will be awake during this procedure but the anesthesia will keep you from feeling anything. The tip of the tooth or the apex of the tooth is sealed with a medicinal cement to stop the infection to spread or grow from the affected tooth. This procedure hardly takes about 30 to 50 minutes and the procedure time also depends on the number of roots that needs to be fixed. This procedure of apicoectomy is known to be fastest on the front teeth and the teeth which lie at the back or lower of the jaw, take a longer time to complete. The medicinal cements are non toxic and non carcinogenic which have a stable moisture content suited for your tooth and they are easy to handle. The cements need to provide a good seal otherwise there might be a possibility of leakage which will lead to further infections. However, you might face certain discomfort, pain and swelling after the surgery and there are medications that help you to heal from the incision.

The side effects of this procedure are common to that of any tooth surgery. You might face some swelling and pain in your gums and for a temporary period you need to be on a liquid diet.

The pain and the irritation associated with your affected tooth/ teeth goes away within 2 weeks and it is fairly easy to recover from this surgery. However, there is a possibility that the affected tooth might cause problems in that case you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

The cost of this surgery ranges between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 15,000 depending on the choice of your surgeon.

The results of the treatment are known to be permanent and the individuals who have undergone this procedure find it very easy to recover from the surgery and with a little care of your teeth, there are no further signs of the infections associated with it.