Apicoectomy Surgery in Buffalo NY

An apicoectomy is often a good choice for a patient who has had one or more unsuccessful root canals in the past. If you are suffering with a bad tooth, contact Buffalo Root Canal Dentist
Dr. Aaron McCann and his staff to help put a stop to your continuous oral pain.

Buffalo Root Canal Dentist Specializing in Apicoectomy Surgery

Strengthening Teeth With Advanced Techniques

Minimally-invasive root canals almost never fail. However if your root canal fails, a surgical back-up plan is available.

What Can Cause A Problem with A Root Canal Procedure?

After a root canal, debris and bacteria can sometimes stay behind deep inside crevices that are very difficult for even experienced professionals to reach. That is why an Apicoectomy is often a good choice, because this procedure repairs the source of the problem.

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Our compassionate Buffalo Endodontist and staff at Precision Endodontics, P.C. understand the discomfort of damaged or diseased teeth, and we use proven methods and the latest technologies to make patients more comfortable.

The Procedure

Apicoectomies (apico-ectomies) is the microsurgical removal of the apex of the infected root.  As a rule, only patients who have had at least one unsuccessful root canal and are not good retreatment candidates should consider an Apicoectomy.

Since tooth roots are not much bigger than blood vessels, our Experienced Buffalo Endodontist, Dr McCann, uses an advanced digital microscope to locate the tip of the root and gently remove it. The area is then filled and sealed to form a permanent bond.

 After an Apicoectomy

Because an Apicoectomy works from the bottom up, healing also occurs from the bottom up.  This gradual process often leads to better results. Furthermore, the shorter root tips actually make the tooth stronger, because bone tissue grows in its place.

As in almost all surgical procedures, some mild discomfort and inflammation is normal for the first few days. However, an over-the-counter pain reliever is typically sufficient to alleviate any discomfort.  We also recommend that most patients chew on the other side of their mouths for a few days

Rely On Us

At Precision Endodontics, P.C., we take the time needed to fully explain all aspects of your Apicoectomy Procedure. Our digital technology and experience help us to achieve high success rates.

We also understand that patients have the right to low out-of-pocket costs along with long-lasting results.  We work with insurance and non-insurance providers to accomplish both these goals in every mouth we treat.

Root Canal/ Apicoectomy FAQs

How can a root canal save my tooth?

Because the roots of your teeth are actually like pipes – meaning they’re hollow in the middle – each one has a root canal inside where the nerve and the blood supply are located. When you’re young, the nerves and cells that help teeth form are located there. As you get older, if cavities form, bacteria are able to enter the tooth and cause inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment goes through the tooth into those canals, cleaning, disinfecting, and then sealing them to prevent further issues. Root canal treatment helps save your tooth and keep it healthy.

How much does a root canal cost?

Aside from the anticipated pain of the root canal procedure itself – people are most concerned about the cost. It’s difficult to give exact fees up front because we must first make a diagnosis and determine which tooth is affected. It’s also important to know if there’s been a previous root canal. Are we redoing something, or are we performing a surgery? Although fees vary based on the specifics of your case, the cost of replacing your tooth is usually greater than the cost of helping you save it.

How long does a root canal procedure take?

Most root canal or root canal surgery procedures are completed within an hour to an hour and a half. Almost all procedures require only one visit unless we feel that you would benefit from a quick 20 or 30-minute follow-up appointment.

Do I need a root canal if I am not showing symptoms?

Sometimes a person who is not having trouble with their teeth needs a root canal. Most of us would prefer not to have work done unless we’re suffering. But an infected tooth may not necessarily show any symptoms. A persistent problem may become a chronic issue without your being aware of it until it becomes a larger problem. If you have swelling or a great deal of pain, your dentist will send you to us to fix your infection problem.

What are the differences between pulling a tooth and having a root canal?

When you come in to see us because of a tooth-related issue, our main concern is your best options. We try to establish a healthy state for your tooth and enable you to enjoy a good quality of life and retain your tooth. Sometimes, however, it may be more beneficial for you to remove the tooth and install a replacement.

Is an implant better than a root canal?

Because of dental implant advertisements on television and radio, people frequently ask why they shouldn’t just have their teeth removed and replaced with implants. Both options are great because implants are the best alternative for replacing lost teeth. Keeping your natural teeth healthy and comfortable as long as possible is the ideal – and retaining natural teeth is the goal of our office. If that isn’t the best choice for you, however, we will speak with your dentist or oral surgeon about the possibility of implants.

Surgical vs. non-surgical root canal?

If your dentist sends you to us for treatment, you may expect a nonsurgical endodontic treatment, such as a traditional root canal or re-treatment of a previous root canal. In other cases, an apical surgery – or apicoectomy – in which we come from outside the tooth, remove unhealthy tissue from the end of the root, and perform a reverse root canal might be needed. All of our procedures are performed microsurgically, using a microscope throughout the entire procedure.

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What types of sedation are available for a root canal?

Concerns about he procedure being painful are fallacious. The procedure in itself is guaranteed to be painless. Patients sometimes wonder about sedation, or whether the experience itself is something they don’t want to remember. To be honest, the procedure should be uneventful, even boring. I have never sedated a patient, and there are several reasons not to do so. In addition to the cost of sedation, you’ll have to have a driver. You’ll lose a whole day of work, and need someone to watch you until the sedation wears off. We make the experience both comfortable and pleasant for you so that, once the anesthesia wears off, you can go about your normal life.

How should I prepare for a root canal?

If you need a root canal, there’s nothing to prepare and nothing special to do. Take a deep breath – and then come to our office and let us take care of you. We’ll keep you comfortable and take care of your issue.

Should I take any medication before the treatment?

Prior to your first visit, you don’t want to take any medications other than the normal daily medications prescribed by your primary care physician. Pain management medications could mask the discomfort we’re trying to alleviate and make the diagnosis more difficult.

Can I get a root canal done when I am congested?

Going to the dentist while you’re congested or with a sinus infection should be alright. We can usually work through that. If you’re really having a difficult time and are concerned about lying back for the hour we’re working on you, we might reschedule. I recommend talking to your dentist or endodontist immediately if you have dental pain. Don’t postpone seeking treatment because of congestion.

What steps should I take after a root canal?

After your root canal, you may wonder what to expect. When the anesthesia wears off, there is usually some soreness or a dull achiness. Ibuprofen (if you can take it) will usually manage any issues you might have. We recommend that you avoid chewing on the tooth until after you see your general dentist.

Will I be in pain after a root canal?

We expect you to have zero pain. Afterward, you’ll be numb for a few hours, but can go right back to work, play sports, or do whatever you normally would. Once the anesthesia wears off, expect a dull achiness or mild throbbing, but that’s the extent of your discomfort. Most teeth will be slightly tender for chewing, and that will continue briefly. We usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication if you’re medically able to take it.

How long will I be numb?

You will be numb for a few hours following the procedure. However, everyone is different, so some might be numb for less time and others, longer.

Can I drive after a root canal?

The numbness that accompanies a root canal is no different from that you experience during a filling or having your teeth cleaned – if your dentist numbs you for a cleaning. When you leave our office, you can drive yourself and return to work or go about normal activities.

Can I eat right after a root canal?

We recommend taking your usual medications and eating whatever you normally would prior to having a root canal. After the procedure, you will be numb, just as if you had a filling done, and won’t want to eat for a while. It’s best to wait for the numbness to go away before eating to avoid biting your tongue.

Do I need to take any special care after a root canal?

Many patients are referred to us by their dentists who will usually recommend some type of restorative treatment after we complete our root canal. If the tooth is a big molar with large fillings or significant decay, the most frequent recommendation is to cover the tooth with a crown or cap to protect it. For front teeth, we may be able to provide a treatment that eliminates the need for major restorative work.

How often will I need to visit the office after treatment?

Patients accustomed to visiting their dentist – and those who consult an endodontist for a root canal – should expect to make multiple visits. Statistically, no real benefit has been realized from a multi-visit approach and most of our procedures are completed in a single visit. If we feel you would benefit from another visit, we leave a medication inside the tooth and set a follow-up appointment. That appointment will last only 20 to 30 minutes, and you can expect to miss only half a day for your procedure.

What happens after I receive a temporary filling?

After leaving our office, we ask you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth because it will usually be a little tender for a couple of weeks. The tenderness is completely manageable as long as you avoid chewing on that tooth. Most endodontists place a temporary filling in the tooth, and you will return to your general dentist for a permanent filling or a crown – whichever is best for you.

What happens to the tooth after a root canal?

People fear that their tooth will become brittle following a root canal, but that is not true. Your tooth is actually healthier after the procedure. You leave our office with a temporary filling and return to your dentist for a crown or other permanent restorative procedure.

What is the success rate for a root canal treatment?

Success rates for root canal treatments are very high. Root canal treatment on a live, non-infected tooth is almost always successful. When we complete your treatment, we fully expect that proper restorative treatment from your dentist will ensure that your tooth will be there for years.

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