Microsurgery
Endodontic micro-surgery may be required when there is a persistent abscess in the bone that has become cystic or that can not be relieved through conventional root canal therapy.
Before understanding endodontic surgery, it is important to understand nonsurgical endodontic treatment. Nonsurgical endodontic treatment is more commonly known as root canal treatment. It is necessary when the soft inner tissue of the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. Endodontic treatment involves removal of the damaged pulp. The canals are then cleaned, filled and sealed to preserve the tooth.
Sometimes, endodontic treatment alone cannot save your tooth, and your dentist or endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery. Endodontic surgery includes any surgical procedures used to remove the infection from your root canals and surrounding areas. Surgery can also be used in diagnosing problems that do not appear on your x-ray, such as root fractures, or in treating problems in the surrounding bone.
Will endodontic surgery hurt?
Your treatment will be provided with local anesthetics that will make the procedure more comfortable. As with any surgical procedure, there will be minor swelling following the procedure. The swelling usually peaks by the second day and is gone by the fourth day. Most people experience no pain during the procedure and mild post-surgery discomfort. Usually, only over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are needed to manage the discomfort. After your treatment, we will recommend appropriate pain medication to alleviate your discomfort.