Root canals are successful more than 90% of the time and are generally all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulps from extraction. If a tooth has a failed root canal and it is determined the prospects for successful retreatment are not high, your remaining treatment options are likely to be either endodontic surgery or extraction.    This procedure allows direct access to the root end of the tooth where the problem usually is occurring.  During the consultation visit you can expect a thorough explanation of your problem and choices.  If you do not want to extract your tooth then you might consider endodontic surgery, also known as apicoectomy or root-end resection.   

The video on the below illustrates this simple procedure. Using local anesthesia, an incision is made in the gingiva and access to the apical region of the root is gained.  Inflamed or infected tissue is removed, the tip of the root is trimmed back and a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal.  The incision is then closed with sutures.  

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended.  The gingiva normally heals in a matter of weeks and the bone over the course of some months. 

If you take any medications or supplements that affect bleeding alert us, as these will need to be stopped seven to ten days prior to the procedure and may require consultation with your physician.