Apicoectomy & Flap Surgery
APICOECTOMY
An apicoectomy is a common dental procedure where inflamed gum tissue and the end of the root of your tooth are removed while the top of your tooth is left in place. It’s often called a root-end resection because it works on the end (or, tip) of your root called the apex.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a common dental procedure where inflamed gum tissue and the end of the root of your tooth is removed while the top of your tooth is left in place. It’s often called a root-end resection because it works on the end (or, tip) of your root called the apex.
What’s the Difference Between a Root Canal and an Apicoectomy?
A root canal is a procedure designed to treat inflammation and infection in the inner pulp tissue of your tooth. Inflammation in tooth pulp causes deep tooth decay and abscesses, which can spread to your bone if they’re not removed.
During a root canal, your dentist opens up your tooth, removes the pulp and cleans the root area, and then fills and seals it. This is done to manage disease and decay without pulling your tooth.
An apicoectomy, in contrast, only deals with the tip of the root and is usually performed after a root canal to fix the root or the tissues around the tooth.
FLAP SURGERY:
Flap surgery is today’s leading method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets. What are these “pockets?” They are areas below the gum line where gum tissue has detached from the teeth, resulting in an uncleanable space where harmful bacteria can proliferate. These bacteria cause inflammation of the tissues, resulting in sensitivity, bleeding, and pain. Left untreated, they can cause a host of problems including gum disease, loss of the tooth-supporting bone structure, and possibly even systemic (whole-body) problems.
When periodontal pockets develop, the first step in treating them is usually via cleaning and scaling (also referred to as root debridement) with a manual or ultrasonic instrument. If this isn’t effective, then periodontal surgery is considered. Flap surgery isn’t a cure for periodontal disease — but it helps create an environment that makes it easier to maintain your periodontal health. And even if you’re prone to gum disease, proper professional treatment and regular care at home can help keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible.
The Goals of Flap Surgery
One major objective of flap surgery is to eliminate or reduce the pocket itself. To access it, a flap-like incision is made in the gum tissue. This allows diseased tissue to be removed from inside the pocket, and provides access to the teeth’s root surfaces for a thorough cleaning, which helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). Afterward, the “flap” is closed, sealing the area. This begins the healing process, which takes place rapidly.
Another goal is the regeneration of periodontal ligament and bone tissue which may have been lost to the disease. A variety of techniques may be used to accomplish this, including high-tech methods of bone grafting and chemicals referred to as growth factors. These approaches help restore the gums to their normal form and function, and promote the healthy and secure anchoring of teeth.
