Saving Your Teeth One Root At A Time Through Apicoectomy
Relieving Persistent Tooth Pain with Surgical Precision
Apicoectomy in Colorado Springs
If you’ve undergone a root canal and are still experiencing discomfort, an apicoectomy may be the solution that restores your comfort and dental health. At Elevation Endodontics in Colorado Springs, our expert endodontists, Dr. John McKissock and Dr. Kersten, perform advanced apicoectomy procedures using state-of-the-art technology and a patient-first approach. Our goal is to save your natural tooth, eliminate infection, and help you return to life without dental pain.
What Is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a microsurgical procedure designed to remove infection and inflammation from the tip (or apex) of a tooth’s root. This procedure is typically recommended when a traditional root canal has failed or when retreatment isn’t an option due to complex anatomy, previous restorations, or recurring infection.
Rather than removing the entire tooth, an apicoectomy preserves your natural tooth structure while addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms. It’s often the last line of defense before tooth extraction and can provide years — sometimes even a lifetime — of restored function and health.
Signs You Might Need an Apicoectomy
While not every patient with a failed root canal requires an apicoectomy, this procedure may be the right next step if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent pain or swelling in a tooth that’s already had a root canal
- A recurring abscess near the root tip
- Inflammation or infection that hasn’t responded to nonsurgical treatment
- A cracked or damaged root tip
- Radiographic evidence of a cyst or other pathology near the root apex
Dr. McKissock and Dr. Kersten will thoroughly evaluate your case using digital imaging and 3D cone beam technology to determine whether an apicoectomy is appropriate for your specific condition.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Elevation Endodontics, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect from the apicoectomy process:
- Consultation and Imaging: Your appointment begins with a detailed consultation, where we’ll review your dental history and take advanced diagnostic images, including 3D scans. These tools help us visualize the root structure and surrounding bone to ensure a precise diagnosis.
- Local Anesthesia: We use gentle, effective local anesthetics to completely numb the treatment area. Most patients report that the experience is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.
- Surgical Access: A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the affected tooth, allowing our doctors to expose the underlying bone and root tip. We then remove a few millimeters of the root’s apex and any surrounding infected tissue.
- Root-End Filling: Once the infection is cleared, the root end is cleaned, sealed with a biocompatible material like MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate), and closed with sutures to promote healing.
- Recovery and Follow-Up: Most patients experience only mild discomfort or swelling for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We provide detailed post-op instructions and follow up to monitor your healing and ensure long-term success.
Why Choose Elevation Endodontics for Your Apicoectomy?
At Elevation Endodontics, we combine precision, compassion, and innovation to deliver superior endodontic care. Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- Advanced Technology: We utilize 3D imaging (CBCT), dental microscopes, and modern microsurgical instruments for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment. Our technology allows us to access and treat complex root systems with unparalleled clarity and control.
- Expert Care: Dr. John McKissock and Dr. Kersten are highly trained endodontic specialists with years of experience treating even the most challenging cases. Their collaborative approach ensures every patient benefits from the highest standard of clinical expertise.
- Personalized Treatment: We understand that each patient’s situation is unique. From your initial consultation to your follow-up care, we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor every aspect of your treatment to your individual needs.
- Gentle, Comfortable Experience: We know the word “surgery” can sound intimidating — but our patients are often surprised at how comfortable their apicoectomy experience is. Our team is here to help you feel at ease, every step of the way.
Saving Your Tooth Is Worth It
Tooth extraction may seem like a simpler option when a root canal fails, but preserving your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term choice. Replacing a tooth with a dental implant or bridge can be costly, time-consuming, and may not fully restore the natural feel and function of your bite. An apicoectomy offers a conservative, effective solution that helps maintain your smile, jaw health, and quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing lingering pain in a previously treated tooth, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Elevation Endodontics is proud to serve the Colorado Springs community with expert endodontic care and a commitment to excellence. Call us today or request an appointment online to find out if an apicoectomy is the right treatment for you. We’re here to help you protect your smile and feel your best.