Endodontic Surgery

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Advanced Care to Save Your Tooth in Burien, WA

While root canal therapy is highly effective, there are cases where a tooth requires additional treatment beyond conventional methods. Endodontic surgery is a specialized procedure designed to remove persistent infections, repair root damage, or address hidden issues that may not be detectable with standard treatments. At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced technology, including CBCT imaging and digital records, to diagnose and perform precise surgical procedures that help save your natural tooth.

If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, swelling, or a reinfection in a previously treated tooth, endodontic surgery may be the best option to restore your oral health. Our state-of-the-art practice in Burien, WA, is committed to providing expert care in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Contact us today to explore your treatment options and take the next step toward lasting dental health.

What is Endodontic Surgery?

Endodontic surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat persistent infections, root damage, or complications from previous root canal therapy. The most common form of endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, which involves removing the tip of a tooth’s root to eliminate infection and promote healing. Other types of endodontic surgery may include repairing a root fracture, treating resorption cases, or exploring unexplained pain in a previously treated tooth.

Unlike traditional root canal therapy, which is a non-surgical approach, endodontic surgery allows for a more direct and targeted treatment when conventional methods are not sufficient.

When Is Endodontic Surgery Necessary?

Endodontic surgery is often recommended when a previous root canal has not fully healed, and infection persists or returns. While root canal therapy is highly successful, some teeth have complex root structures that may contain hidden canals or areas that were not completely cleaned during the initial procedure. In such cases, bacteria can remain trapped inside the tooth, leading to ongoing discomfort, swelling, or reinfection. Surgical intervention allows the endodontist to access these difficult-to-reach areas, remove the infection, and seal the root more effectively to prevent further complications.

In some instances, an infection or cyst may develop at the tip of a tooth’s root, requiring surgical removal to prevent damage to surrounding bone and tissue. Additionally, root resorption—a condition where the body begins to break down the tooth structure—can compromise the stability of the tooth, making surgical treatment necessary to preserve it. Endodontic surgery provides a direct approach to addressing these issues, allowing the dentist to carefully remove diseased tissue and promote healing in areas that traditional retreatment methods cannot fully resolve.

Persistent discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling that lingers after a root canal procedure may also indicate the need for surgical evaluation. If left untreated, an unresolved infection can spread, leading to further damage and increasing the risk of tooth loss. If your dentist or endodontist has recommended surgery, it is important to act quickly to prevent worsening symptoms and protect your oral health. With advanced imaging and microsurgical techniques, Burien Endodontics can precisely diagnose and treat these conditions, helping to restore function and comfort while preserving your natural tooth.

What to Expect During Your Apicoectomy Procedure

Before your apicoectomy, your endodontist will explain each step of your surgery and what to expect along the way. While each surgery is unique to the individual, it will likely follow a similar series of steps. Here’s what you can expect during your apicoectomy procedure:

Pre-Procedure

At your initial appointment, your endodontist will use advanced diagnostic technology, such as CBCT imaging and dental operating microscopes, to examine your condition, identify hidden infections and missing canals, and determine whether an apicoectomy is necessary. Your endodontist will also discuss anesthesia options with you to ensure the most stress-free and comfortable experience possible.

During Your Apicoectomy

During your endodontic surgery, your endodontist will inject a local anesthetic into the area surrounding the problematic tooth. Once the area is numb, they will make a small incision into the gum to expose the tooth root and its infected or damaged tissue. Your endodontist will surgically remove this tissue as well as the root tip and seal the exposed root canal to prevent further infection. The gum tissue will be stitched back in place to promote healing. 

Post-Procedure

After your apicoectomy, you will likely have some minor discomfort and swelling that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your initial healing period should take about one to two weeks. However, full recovery can take a few months while the bone heals. Your endodontist will provide you with post-surgery care instructions that you should follow to ensure the best chance of success. Your endodontist will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

If you notice any persistent pain or bleeding or have any questions about your procedure, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and get you back on the road to recovery. 

The Endodontic Surgery Procedure

At Burien Endodontics, we ensure every step of your surgical procedure is carefully planned and performed with minimally invasive techniques to promote faster healing and long-term success. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Diagnosis with CBCT Imaging

Before recommending surgery, we use 3D CBCT imaging to get a highly detailed view of the affected tooth, surrounding bone, and root structure. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location of infection, damage, or fractures.

2. Local Anesthesia for Comfort

We ensure your comfort by using local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure begins. Our team prioritizes gentle care and pain management throughout your treatment.

3. Small Incision & Removal of Infection

A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to access the infected root tip or damaged area. The infected tissue is carefully removed, and if necessary, a small portion of the root tip (apicoectomy) is extracted to eliminate any lingering infection.

4. Sealing the Root to Prevent Reinfection

Once the infected tissue is removed, a biocompatible filling material is used to seal the root and prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place for proper healing. Often, towards the end of the surgery, a dental laser may be used to disinfect and cauterize the surgical areas, resulting in accelerated healing and reduced inflammation.

5. Recovery & Follow-Up Care

Healing from endodontic surgery typically takes a few weeks. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and proper post-surgical care. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly.

Who Could Benefit From Endodontic Surgery?

Endodontic surgery is beneficial for individuals experiencing persistent dental infections or complications that can’t be fixed with traditional root canal therapy. The following patients may especially benefit from this procedure:

  • Patients with persistent tooth infections
  • Those with complex tooth root systems
  • Individuals with blocked root canals that can’t be fully cleaned
  • Patients with root-end damage that can lead to infection
  • People looking to avoid extractions

At Burien Endodontics, our goal is to save your natural tooth whenever possible, including through endodontic surgery. Consulting your endodontist is essential in determining if an apicoectomy is the best option for your specific tooth issues.  

Why Choose Burien Endodontics for Endodontic Surgery?

At Burien Endodontics, we are committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care using state-of-the-art technology, including CBCT imaging, dental operating microscopes, and digital records. Our precise, minimally invasive approach ensures the best possible outcomes for endodontic surgery while prioritizing your comfort and long-term dental health.

Choosing Burien Endodontics means receiving expert evaluation, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized treatment planning in a welcoming environment. Our use of microsurgical methods allows for effective infection removal, reduced discomfort, and faster healing. We take a gentle, patient-focused approach to ensure you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

Preserving your natural tooth is always our goal, and we strive to make your procedure as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you need endodontic surgery, trust our experienced team to provide the highest level of care. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.

Schedule Your Consultation in Burien, WA Today

If you have been told you need endodontic surgery or are experiencing persistent discomfort in a previously treated tooth, our team is here to help. At Burien Endodontics, we specialize in precision-based, minimally invasive surgical treatments designed to restore your oral health and preserve your natural teeth.

Call us today at (253) 544-4395 or schedule an appointment through our contact form to learn more about your treatment options.