Patient Services

• Diagnosis of Tooth Pain
• Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
• Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment
• Microsurgical Root Canal Treatment
• Treatment of Injuries in Children

Microsurgical Root Canal Treatment

OVERVIEW OF ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY

Why would I need Endodontic Microsurgery?

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on X-rays but still cause pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common microsurgical procedure used to save damaged teeth is a root-end resection.

What is a root-end resection?

The above diagram illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals for a day or two. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.