Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
home | patient information | instructions | procedures | meet us | referring doctors | contact us | sitemap | disclaimer
Endodontist, Dr. Dolan provides endodontic treatment in Root Canal Therapy, Endodontic Retreatment, Apicoectomy, Cracked Teeth, Traumatic Injuries and Dental Implants.
Serving Genesee County and all of Mid-Michigan including:
Flint Township MI • Owosso MI • Lapeer MI • Fenton MI • Flushing MI • Grand Blanc MI • Birch Run MI • Chesaning MI • Frankenmuth MI • Saginaw MI • Lansing MI • Imlay City MI • Burton MI • Davison MI • Oxford MI • Holly MI • Linden MI • Durand MI
Genesee Valley Endodontics, PLC • 4260 S. Linden Road • Flint Township, MI 48507 • Phone: 810 733-3500 • Fax: 810 733-8575
Endodontics Website Design by PBHS 2010©