When it comes to dental health, most of us think about routine cleanings, fillings, or perhaps some more complex procedures such as root canals. However, there’s another dental procedure that is equally important but often overlooked: root tip surgery (also known as apicoectomy).

What Is Root Tip Surgery?

Root tip surgery is a surgical procedure designed to treat a tooth that has a persistent infection at the root tip, also known as the apex. Even after a root canal treatment, infections can persist in this area. Root tip surgery is the solution when other treatments have failed. During this procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon removes the tip of the tooth’s root and any infected tissue, sealing the end of the root to prevent further infection. As it tends to be a complex surgery, we want our clients to feel as comfortable and at ease as possible, so we handle each case with care and attention.

What is the Difference between a Root Canal and Root Tip Surgery?

A root canal is a treatment that is performed to treat inflammation and infection in the tissue of your tooth. Inflammation in tooth pulp causes tooth decay and recurrent abscesses, which can spread to your bone if they’re not treated.

An apicoectomy only deals with the tip of the root and is often performed after a root canal to fix the root or the tissues surrounding the tooth.

Why is Root Tip Surgery Necessary?

There are several reasons why root tip surgery may be necessary for a patient:

Infection Control: When a persistent infection occurs at the apex of the tooth’s root, it can lead to significant discomfort, pain, and swelling. It possibly does not respond to traditional root canal therapy or antibiotics, making root tip surgery the most effective way to address the issue.

Preservation of Natural Teeth: One of the primary goals of root tip surgery is to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. Removing the infected root tip can save the tooth from extraction, maintaining your oral function and appearance.

Reducing Pain and Discomfort: The discomfort associated with an infected root tip can be severe. Root tip surgery aims to alleviate this pain and restore your dental health.

Preventing the Spread of Infection: Left untreated, an infection in the root tip can spread to the neighbouring teeth and even cause more serious health issues. Root tip surgery is essential for preventing the infection’s progression.

The Root Tip Surgery Procedure

Before starting the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you don’t experience any pain during the surgery. Then, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the affected tooth’s root tip. The infected root tip and surrounding tissue are carefully removed to eliminate the source of infection. The end of the tooth’s root is then sealed to prevent further infection, and the incision in the gum tissue is sutured closed. The recovery process is usually straightforward, with mild discomfort and swelling for a few days.

The Importance of Skilled Dental Professionals

Due to the importance and complexity of root tip surgery, it requires the expertise and experience of skilled dental professionals. The team at AAURA Dental located in Marbella, Estepona and Fuengirola is well-versed in performing this delicate procedure with precision and care, ensuring the best possible outcome for their patients.

If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or have an infection in the root tip of your tooth, please don’t hesitate to consult with the experienced dental professionals at AAURA Dental. We can provide expert care and guidance to help you maintain your oral health and smile confidently.

We specialise in a wide range of dental services including dental implants, crowns and bridges, veneers, oral surgery and aesthetic dentistry at our dental clinics in Estepona, Marbella, Fuengirola and Stockholm, Sweden.

We’re here to help you achieve the best oral health and a pain-free smile. Don’t let dental health issues linger; get the right treatment today to ensure a brighter-smiled future.