Apicoectomy for Dental Abscess
What is Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection at the root tip or in the gums.
Symptoms
- Severe throbbing pain
- Swelling in face or cheek
- Sensitivity to pressure and temperature
- Foul taste in mouth
How Apicoectomy Treats Dental Abscess
An apicoectomy removes the tip of a tooth's root along with infected tissue when a root canal alone cannot resolve the infection. It saves the tooth by eliminating the source of infection.
Procedure Steps
- 1Pre-surgical imaging
- 2Local anesthesia
- 3Root tip removal and retrograde filling
- 4Suturing
Recovery Time:1-2 weeks
Average Cost:$500-$1,500
FAQ
When is an apicoectomy needed?
When a root canal treatment or retreatment fails to resolve an infection at the root tip, an apicoectomy provides a surgical solution.
What is the success rate of apicoectomy?
Success rates are 85-97%. The procedure effectively saves teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
Is a dental abscess dangerous?
Yes, if left untreated it can spread to the jaw, head, or neck and become life-threatening.
How is a dental abscess treated?
Treatment involves draining the abscess, antibiotics, and addressing the source through root canal or extraction.