Apicoectomy
Do you need an apicoectomy?
Apicoectomies, or root canal surgeries, are necessary when root canal therapy treatments have been attempted but are not sufficient enough to treat pain or further complications. We may recommend apicoectomy as a final option before having to resort to complete extraction.
Luckily, our doctors make every effort to save teeth before recommending an apicoectomy or an extraction. Sometimes, we are able to successfully provide root canal retreatments before apicoectomies. We are confident that we can help save your teeth!
Leading Experts of Endodontics
Our doctors, Dr. Mindo Lee, Dr. Stephen Park, and Dr. Doo Yong Lim, are renown experts of endodontics in Los Angeles. With over 45 years of combined experience with root canals and apicoectomies, we can provide you expert diagnoses and treatments.
It’s also possible that we can help you avoid apicoectomies in favor of less-invasive treatments.
Sophisticated Dental Technology
Meets Excellence in Patient Care
Sophisticated Dental Technology
Meets Excellence in Patient Care
As specialists of endodontics, we have invested heavily into state-of-the-art robotics, technology, and the latest surgical trainings specific to endodontic procedures. Therefore, we are able to provide a level of treatment that general dentists simply cannot provide.
At Los Angeles Center for Endodontics, we have an amazing team of highly trained dental professionals who have your health and well-being at heart. Our doctors and staff are here to provide you excellence care with the utmost comfort in our practice.
Friendly Staff
Advanced Technology
Relaxing Atmosphere
Get an apicoectomy consultation with us
– Get an expert diagnosis and fully understand what your options are.
– Get an expert recommendation for what to do next.
- Get an expert diagnosis and fully understand what your options are.
- Get an expert recommendation for what to do next.
Apicoectomy Patient Testimonials
On the Sunday, I decided to called Dr Lee's number, as a last resort. I had gone to my local Urgent Care to get a prescription for antibiotics, as the right side of my face was now very swollen. I knew I was dealing with infection, from either an abscess or root canal infection.
His answering service told me that they would call him to pass my message along. Immediately, Dr Lee called me back! He spent a long time talking to me and telling me what to do, in the meantime, to alleviate my pain. Unfortunately, he did not have access to open the medical building where he works, during weekends. He said that he was fully booked the next day, Monday. However, he told me to come to his office at 11.00am, and, he would fit me in as an emergency!
He tried calling in to my local pharmacy, for a strong painkiller, but, after waiting on the phone for over 45 minutes, he texted me to say nobody was picking up.
I told him to go enjoy the rest of his weekend. I felt so bad that he was spending so much time on this. However, he texted me back that he called in a prescription to a CVS near his office......
He did not give up.
I went to his office on the Monday, and, he did a root canal. I will return in 2 weeks for more medication in roots, and, possible gum surgery. The girls at the front desk are so kind and helpful. His male assistant is so caring and thoughtful. Dr Lee is extremely skilled, and, knowledgeable. He explains everything very clearly. The treatment is painless, and, efficient. I would not hesitate to refer anyone who needs a root canal, or, gum surgery, to Dr Mindo Lee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Surgery
What is the difference between root canal surgery and root canal therapy?
- Root Canal Therapy – With this treatment, our endodontist at Los Angeles Center for Endodontics will enter the root canal through the crown of the tooth to remove the infected pulp. Sometimes, this non-surgical option is not effective because the infection is located further down in the root of the tooth. If this is the case, the tooth requires root canal surgery.
- Root Canal Surgery – Surgery allows an endodontic specialist to treat an infection that is further down in the root of the tooth. This is possible because in root canal surgery the specialists enter the root canal through the gum tissue. Both are important and effective endodontic treatments to help save patients’ natural teeth.
When is root canal surgery recommended?
Whenever possible, an endodontist will try to perform typical root canal therapy. However, we recommend root canal surgery when root canal therapy is not possible. The main reason root canal therapy is often not possible is because the infection is located in the furthest tip of the tooth’s root. This leads to inflammation of the tissues or damage of the surrounding bone. Root canal surgery will be necessary to treat the infection at the tip of the root, as opposed to entering through the crown of the tooth with root canal therapy. If you have a tooth infection, your specialist at Los Angeles Center for Endodontics will talk you through the options and course of treatment to get you back to full health and comfort.
How is the root canal surgery performed?
If root canal surgery is the recommended option, your endodontist will walk you through the procedure so you can be confident and comfortable with the treatment before you start.
On the day of your appointment, we administer proper anesthesia to the tooth and surrounding tissues so that you feel comfortable while the doctor performs the minor surgery on the gingiva. A very small incision is made at the base of the tooth, and the infected tissue is removed. Entering via the gums through root canal surgery allows the endodontist to remove the infected tip of the tooth’s root. This root canal treatment may take one appointment, and they typically last about 60 minutes along with an additional follow-up visit.
How painful is root canal surgery?
Root canal surgery and root canal therapy have a reputation of being painful. However, the patients of Los Angeles Center For Endodontics often report very little pain. The doctor uses anesthesia to numb the area prior to the microsurgery and gives proper medication to reduce any pain post-procedure. If you’re concerned about your root canal treatment or surgery, talk with your specialist at Los Angeles Center for Endodontics. Keep in mind, that we are able to adjust medications and ensure that you know exactly what to expect.
How long does it take to heal from root canal surgery?
Most patients are able to return to their everyday activities the next day after root canal surgery. For a few days, the tissue around the treated area will feel sensitive, depending on the severity of the infection. Over the next few months, your bone will gradually heal around the end of the tooth’s root. However, patients generally only experience mild pain post-treatment.
Can root canal surgery be avoided?
Yes and no.
Once you have a root canal infection, it will not go away on its own. It is important to see a specialist as soon as possible if symptoms occur. Early intervention will help prevent the infection from becoming worse. If left untreated, the infection can reach the tooth’s roots or the jaw bone and further complications can occur.
However, the only way to avoid root canal treatment altogether is by not getting an infection in the first place. The best way to prevent infection is to maintain regular dental hygiene. We recommend doing the following daily:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Using Mouthwash
- In addition, be sure to visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
Schedule a Consultation
Apicoectomies don’t have to be painful or can be avoided entirely. If it cannot be avoided, our dentists are experts at providing healthy teeth without pain! Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards perfect health.
