Endodontic Services in Plano

Endodontic Treatment

Surgical Root Canal Therapy

Generally, we can save a seriously injured tooth from extraction with a non-surgical root canal. Occasionally, this procedure will not work to heal the tooth, and your endodontist will recommend surgical root canal therapy.

Our doctors utilize endodontic surgery to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on X-rays but still produce pain in a tooth. We can also treat damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone with this kind of surgery. The most common surgical root canal therapy used to save injured teeth is an apicoectomy, or root-end resection.

During an apicoectomy, the doctor makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. He'll remove the damaged tissue along with the end of the root tip. Next, the endodontist will place a root-end filling to prevent re-infection of the root; and then, he will suture the gums. Over several months, the bone naturally heals around the root, restoring the tooth to full function.

Following surgical root canal therapy, some discomfort or slight swelling may occur as the incision heals, which can happen after any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, your doctor will recommend an appropriate pain medication. If you develop any unusual symptoms or have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our endodontics office immediately.

If your general dentist has recommended that you see an endodontist to evaluate your need for surgical root canal therapy, please contact our Plano office. At North Texas Endodontic Associates, we care for patients from Plano and the Dallas/Fort Worth area with thorough clinical treatment and gentle, compassionate care.