What To Expect After An Apicoectomy

Are you having an apicoectomy? As your appointment day approaches, you may be wondering what you can expect after the treatment. Here is everything you need to know. 

What is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery that focuses on the apex of your tooth — the end of the tooth’s root. 

The procedure involves removing the infected apex and any infected or inflamed tissue around it. A small filling or cap is then placed at the tip. This reduces the spread of infection and saves the tooth. 

How is an apicoectomy performed? Best done by an experienced endodontist, a small incision is made in the gum tissue along the infected tooth. This will allow it to be pulled back so that the tooth’s root can be accessed easily. The surgery can then be completed and the gum tissue put back into its rightful space. 

Is Sedation Used for an Apicoectomy? 

Local anesthesia is used to numb the surrounding area so that the procedure can be completed without causing the patient pain or discomfort. For those who are apprehensive or nervous about having an apicoectomy, sedation options are often available. 

The use of sedation can help you to relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. There are different options to choose from so talk to your endodontist about how it may help address your concerns. 

What You Can Expect After an Apicoectomy

The healing process following an apicoectomy is not much different than other oral surgeries. Below you will find an overview of what you can expect. 

Immediately Following Surgery

Thanks to the local anesthesia, there is a good chance your mouth will still feel quite numb right after the endodontic surgery. This numbness may impact the inside of your mouth, as well as parts of your face. Of course, because it is numb, you may still not feel any discomfort at all. 

Eating during this time can be dangerous since you cannot feel what you are biting, but drinking liquids that are room temperature or cooler is okay. Do not use a straw and do not consume hot beverages. 

The First 24 Hours

During this time, the local anesthetic will begin to wear off. You may start to feel some discomfort or slight pain around the surgical area. You may even have some swelling and tenderness, too. 

Over-the-counter pain medication should be all that is needed to reduce the discomfort.

Eat soft foods and avoid anything hard and chewy. Things like yogurt, smoothies, soup/broth that has cooled down, mashed potatoes, eggs, and the like are all perfect options. Continue to avoid hot beverages. 

48 Hours After Surgery

By the end of day two, you should be feeling much better. There is a good chance that you are ready to start incorporating solid foods back into your daily routine, too. You may carefully do so, but just be sure to continue to stay away from hard foods until the area is fully healed. 

One to Two Weeks After Surgery

Within two weeks following the apicoectomy, things will be back to normal and your gum tissue should be fully healed. If you had dissolving sutures, they have likely dissolved already. Otherwise, you may have a follow-up appointment with your endodontist to have them removed. 

When you feel ready, you can return to eating normally. 

Apicoectomies at Las Vegas Endodontics

At Las Vegas Endodontics, our team of dental specialists has the skill and the precision necessary to perform apicoectomies while ensuring our patients have a good overall dental experience. 

To get started on your endodontic needs, contact us today at 702-876-5800. Or, request an appointment online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can infection come back after an apicoectomy? 

Most often, infection will not come back after an apicoectomy. However, sometimes infection can hide in the root canals and other areas within the tooth, causing the infection to return later. 

Will a dental crown be needed after an apicoectomy? 

Unlike a root canal which will almost always require a dental crown to restore a tooth’s integrity, an apicoectomy is addressing areas deep within the tooth and may not require the help of a dental crown.