Apicoectomy vs. Root Canal: What is the Difference?

Definitions of Apicoectomy and Root Canal

Before understanding the nuances of each process, you need to know the basic definitions of apicoectomy and root canal. These definitions remain constant across the endodontics field, meaning that they don’t have alternative names at other offices.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a form of endodontic surgery that involves approaching the root end. Because the endodontist needs to make some incisions into the gums to reach the apex end of the tooth, this procedure is a type of surgery and slightly more invasive than a non-surgical root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is a type of non-surgical procedure that cleans out the root canals of a tooth. The endodontist makes a small opening into the chewing surface of the tooth, and cleans the soft tissue of the tooth out. Instead, they drill a tiny hole in the top of the tooth to insert their tools for cleaning out the canals of the tooth.

The process for a root canal has many similarities to getting a dental filling. However, some people who get root canals may need crowns after their procedures to strengthen the treated teeth. Most people who get fillings don’t need crowns.

Why an Endodontist Will Perform a Root Canal vs. Apicoectomy

Endodontists perform root canals and apicoectomies for different reasons. In most cases, they will try to do a root canal first because it is a less invasive, non-surgical procedure.

Reasons Endodontists Perform Root Canals

Root canals are common endodontic treatments used to clear bacterial infection and inflammation from the interior of teeth. Without a root canal, the infection can spread and affect the surrounding bone, and sometimes have systemic effects. Plus, patients who need root canals and forego them often need tooth extractions as the only alternative treatment to stop infection spread.

Reasons that your endodontist may opt to perform a root canal is if you have deep decay in a tooth, a cracked tooth, or traumatic injury to a tooth. Symptoms you may have that can indicate a problem inside a tooth include:

Pain when biting
New, prolonged sensitivity to temperature
Pimple or localized inflammation in the gums
Visibly broken or cracked tooth
Darkening or other discoloration of a single tooth

When you have any of the above symptoms, you need to consult an endodontist to find out the best treatment for your condition. Endodontic care can help you to save a tooth with internal damage from infection and inflammation.

Why Endodontists Perform Apicoectomies

Endodontists use caution when choosing the best type of treatment to save a tooth. They opt for the least invasive option possible. Therefore, you may have a root canal first, but if it fails, you might return to have an apicoectomy. Common reasons that endodontists choose to perform this microsurgery include:

Complex internal anatomy
Persistent infection
Some root fractures

With an apicoectomy, an endodontist has another means of saving a tooth that would need extraction.

What Happens During an Apicoectomy vs. Root Canal

The processes for apicoectomy and root canal therapy differ in a few ways. However, both will likely start with the endodontist taking images of your tooth, either with digital X-rays or a 3D cone-beam imager. These images make the task of planning the procedure easier for the doctor, who provides you with more targeted treatment.

Root Canal Therapy Process

Local anesthetic is used for a root canal, just as for a filling. This will ensure that you don’t feel any discomfort while the doctor removes the pulp from your tooth and cleans the bacteria out of the canals. You might hear drilling as the doctor opens the tooth from the top. This opening allows the endodontist to clean the tooth’s canals with their tiny instruments.

Once cleaned, the canals have a sealant placed inside, and the tooth gets a temporary filling. You should be able to return to work immediately after the root canal, but avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off. Make an appointment with your dentist for a crown if your endodontist recommends it.

What Happens During an Apicoectomy

During an apicoectomy, the endodontist will numb the treated area of your mouth with a local anesthetic. They will make incisions into the gums and the bone around the apex end of the tooth to reach the root canals. They will clear any infected matter from the canals and add a sealant to the tooth. Finally, the doctor will stitch the gum closed. Over time, the bone will heal around the base of the tooth.

Healing Processes for Root Canals and Apicoemtomy

The healing processes for root canals and apicoectomies are very similar, with slight differences to accommodate the stitches used for apicoectomies.

What Happens After a Root Canal

After the anesthesia wears off from your root canal, you can eat and drink as you normally would. However, avoid chewing on the side with the treated tooth if you need to get a crown from your dentist.

You can use ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain relief. Most people note that the discomfort wears away quickly, with only minor lingering sensitivity a week after the procedure.

Apicoectomy Aftercare

Use caution when eating and drinking after your anesthesia wears off following an apicoectomy. You want to avoid brushing the area around your stitches. Bleeding should stop within a couple of hours after the procedure. However, if you have severe bleeding that won’t stop or your stitches fall out prematurely, contact your endodontist for advice.

Over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen can ease any discomfort you feel from the surgery. In most cases, patients don’t need prescription pain relievers or antibiotics.

Trust Innovative Endodontics to Choose the Right Treatment to Save Your Tooth

Don’t try to diagnose your tooth discomfort on your own. Contact an endodontist to get tooth-saving treatment. The doctor will choose whether you need an apicoectomy or a root canal. When you work with us at Innovative Endodontics, you can rest assured that you will have a comfortable, painless experience with professional endodontists who treat you like family. Call us today to schedule your visit with the closest Innovative Endodontics to you in the Charleston area.