You thought the problem was behind you, but your tooth has other plans. Lingering pain, swelling, or a recurring infection can leave you wondering what comes next. If your search for endodontic surgery near me brought you here, you’re likely looking for a solution that lets you keep your natural tooth. In some situations, a simple surgical procedure can treat the source of the problem and help you avoid an extraction.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on the inside of your tooth. Beneath the hard outer layers of enamel and dentin is the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels that help keep your tooth healthy. When this area becomes infected or damaged, an endodontist can provide treatment to address the problem and protect the tooth.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in diagnosing tooth pain and treating conditions involving the tooth’s roots and surrounding tissues. While many people know endodontists for performing root canals, they also provide surgical treatments, including procedures that can save teeth when traditional treatment isn’t enough.
Your dentist may refer you to an endodontic specialist if you have a difficult-to-treat infection, ongoing symptoms after a root canal, a dental injury, or a condition requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Their goal is simple: treat the problem while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.
A root canal is a form of endodontic therapy, but it is not considered endodontic surgery. Root canal treatment is performed through an opening in the tooth, while endodontic surgery involves accessing the root or surrounding tissues surgically when conventional treatment cannot fully resolve the problem.
Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery
A root canal is often enough to save an infected tooth, but sometimes the problem doesn’t fully resolve. If symptoms continue or return, you may be wondering whether additional treatment is needed. Understanding the signs you need endodontic surgery can help you know when it’s time to seek a specialist’s opinion.
Endodontic surgery may be recommended if you experience:
- Pain or swelling that continues after a root canal
- An infection that returns after treatment
- A canal that was missed or could not be treated during the original procedure
- A crack or damage affecting the tooth root
- Bone loss caused by ongoing infection
- A cyst or lesion near the root of the tooth
Types of Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery treats problems that cannot be resolved with traditional root canal therapy. The most common procedure, an apicoectomy, removes infected tissue and the root tip before sealing the area to prevent future infection.
Other surgical procedures include root repair, perforation repair, intentional replantation, and treatments for blockages or fractures.
Care For Your Teeth
If you’re dealing with lingering pain or a tooth that hasn’t healed after treatment, don’t assume extraction is your only option. An endodontist can determine whether endodontic surgery is the right solution for protecting your smile.
Contact Root Canal Specialists to schedule an appointment.