Endodontic Surgery in Burien, WA
Immediate Same-Day Care Available
When conventional root canal treatment is insufficient to save your tooth, endodontic surgery provides a specialized solution that can eliminate infection and preserve your natural teeth. At Burien Endodontics, we offer advanced microsurgical endodontic techniques that precisely address persistent dental infections and failed root canal treatments. Dr. Matthew P. Tomala leads our team, bringing specialized training and cutting-edge technology to every procedure.
Our state-of-the-art surgical facility in Burien is equipped to handle even the most complex cases, and we welcome patients from Kent, Federal Way, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and throughout King County. Whether you need an apicoectomy, treatment for root resorption, or surgical exploration of unexplained pain in a previously treated tooth, our team provides the precise, comfortable care you need to keep your natural tooth.
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 designed to remove persistent infections, repair root damage, or address hidden issues not 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 are experiencing ongoing discomfort, swelling, or a reinfection in a previously treated tooth, emergency endodontic care or endodontic surgery may be the best option. Contact us today to explore your treatment options.
What Is Endodontic Surgery and When Is It Needed?
Endodontic surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat persistent infections, root damage, or complications from previous root canal therapy. The most common form 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 may include repairing a root fracture, treating resorption cases, or exploring unexplained pain in a previously treated tooth.
Expert Endodontic Care When You Need It Most
Specialized root canal therapy and endodontic treatment delivered with precision and compassion.
- Board-certified endodontists with advanced training
- Advanced microscopic techniques for optimal outcomes
- Same-day emergency appointments available
- Pain-free procedures with modern anesthesia options
When Is Endodontic Surgery Necessary?
Endodontic surgery is often recommended when a previous root canal has not fully healed and infection persists or returns. Some teeth have complex root structures that may contain hidden canals or areas 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.
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 often resulting from traumatic dental injuries can compromise the stability of the tooth, making surgical treatment necessary. Persistent discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling that lingers after a root canal procedure, particularly in cases involving cracked teeth, may also indicate the need for surgical evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Apicoectomy Procedure
Before your surgery, Dr. Tomala will explain each step and what to expect along the way. While each surgery is unique to the individual, most procedures follow a similar series of steps.
Pre-procedure
At your initial appointment, Dr. Tomala will use advanced diagnostic technology, including CBCT imaging and dental operating microscopes, to examine your condition, identify hidden infections and missing canals, and determine whether surgery is necessary. Anesthesia options will also be discussed to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.
During your procedure
A local anesthetic is injected into the area surrounding the problematic tooth. Once the area is numb, a small incision is made into the gum to expose the tooth root and its infected or damaged tissue. The infected tissue is carefully removed, and if an apicoectomy is being performed, the root tip is also removed. The root canal is then sealed with a small biocompatible filling to prevent reinfection.
Post-procedure
After surgery, the gum tissue is sutured closed. Most patients experience minimal discomfort manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Tomala will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment. Learn more about post-core restoration as part of your recovery.
The Endodontic Surgery Procedure
1. Comprehensive diagnosis with CBCT imaging
Before performing surgery, Dr. Tomala takes a detailed CBCT scan to get a three-dimensional view of the tooth, root, and surrounding bone. This advanced imaging allows us to identify the exact location and extent of the infection and plan the most precise surgical approach.
2. Local anesthesia for comfort
We administer a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Modern anesthesia techniques make endodontic surgery a much more comfortable experience than most patients expect.
3. Small incision and removal of infection
A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to expose the root tip and surrounding infected tissue. Using specialized microsurgical instruments and our dental operating microscope, we carefully remove the infected tissue and, if needed, the tip of the root.
4. Sealing the root to prevent reinfection
After removing the infected tissue, we clean the area and place a small biocompatible filling at the end of the root canal to seal it and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
5. Recovery and follow-up care
The gum tissue is sutured closed and you will receive detailed post-operative care instructions. Most patients experience only mild swelling and discomfort that resolves within a few days. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing.
Who Could Benefit From Endodontic Surgery?
Patients who have had a root canal that has not healed, who have developed a cyst or abscess at the root tip, or who have complex root anatomy that cannot be addressed through conventional treatment are often good candidates for endodontic surgery.
Why Choose Burien Endodontics for Endodontic Surgery?
Healing and recovery
Our minimally invasive microsurgical approach results in less tissue disruption, faster healing, and less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods. We use the latest suturing techniques and biocompatible materials to support optimal tissue healing.
Benefits of modern endodontic surgery
Advances in microscopic imaging, CBCT scanning, and microsurgical instruments have dramatically improved the outcomes of endodontic surgery. Procedures that once required extensive incisions can now be performed through tiny, precise openings — with success rates that rival non-surgical root canal therapy.
Emergency care when you need it
We offer same-day emergency appointments for patients in acute pain and work to see urgent surgical cases as quickly as possible. No referral is required to schedule with our team.
Schedule Your Consultation in Burien, WA Today
If your dentist or endodontist has recommended surgery, or if you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or infection after a root canal, do not wait. Contact Burien Endodontics to schedule your consultation same-day appointments are available for urgent cases. We serve patients throughout Burien, Kent, Federal Way, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and the greater King County area.
