How does root end surgery differ from a root canal? my dentist says i have a blockage at the tip or my root, and will need to have root end surgery to shave off a small section of root and seal it. isn't that what a root canal is?

Root : Root end surgery is known as an apicoectomy. When a tradition root canal therapy can not be completed due to a blockage, the alternative way to reach the area is directly thru bone after the gums are lifted up. Today the most advanced technique involves using a microscope and special ultrasonic tools and materials. Special 3d xrays are availabe as well to aid the endodontic surgeon with your specifc anatomy this type of procedure should be done by an endodontist , one that is trained in microscopic surgery. Not all endodontists are. With the new and improved technology , an apicoectomy has become a very standard procedure for those who do it often. No pain and taking the same time appointment as a root canal. There most frequent complication is swelling which can be mostly minimized or not at all by placing ice on the area of surgery for the first 24 hrs. With today's available technology, apicoectomies are quick, painless and an additional way for you to save your tooth. Years ago, the tooth would have most likely been extracted when now you can often keep that tooth for the rest of your life.

The : The difference between root canal therapy and root end surgery is enormous, they tackle the problem from opposite ends. Root can treatments are performed through the top of the tooth. The dead or dying pulp tissue is completely removed, the tooth is cleaned and filed so that fine instruments can reach the very tip of the root, and then the tooth is sealed. Root tip surgery, called an apicoectomy, is performed be retracting the gum and making an opening through the bone right through to the root tip, and there the root tip is modified cleaned dried and filled with a tiny seal. Then bone is placed to fill up the hole and the gum flap is stitched back into place. This is much more involved than root canal treatment i hope that answers your question. Dr neil mcleod dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

The : The goal of endodontics (root canal) is to remove the organic tissue from inside your tooth and seal off the opening into this area to the rest of your body. This is usually accomplished by entering the pulp chamber and canals through the chewing surface of the tooth. If your dentist has determined that this area is blocked, then he is offering to reach the end of the roots to seal them off via another approach.

Apico: Root surgery is called an apicoectomy. It resects the tip of the root where the nerve branches and cleans out the infection in the bone. Root canal removes the nerve inside the tooth.

Significantly: Root end surgery or apicoectomy is a surgical procedure whereas conventional root canal is not. A surgical approach is frequently used if conventional treatment is either unsuccessful or impossible to do. Success rates for surgical endodontics is reported as high as 90-95% when microsurgically performed. Consult your endodontist for what is best for you.