How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy?

How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy?

While the sutures dissolve around six weeks after the procedure, it can take a few months to fully heal from an apicoectomy. In the case of a particularly stressful operation, it may take up to six months for the bone to fill in the cavity left by the apicoectomy procedure.

Why would someone need an apicoectomy?

Why would I need one? An apicoectomy is needed when a standard root canal doesn’t solve the issue. If you had a root canal but still have pain and swelling, you may need an apicoectomy. A tooth can become infected or painful months to years after a standard root canal.

How is an apicoectomy performed?

What is an apicoectomy? In this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed.

What is the difference between a root canal and an apicoectomy?

While root canal treatment takes place on the crown of the tooth (the part above the gum that we chew with) an apicoectomy takes place on the root of the tooth. The infected tissue is accessed via the root tip, also called the apex, of the tooth, and a filling is then placed to seal the end of the root.

How painful is apicoectomy?

Most patients experience little-or-no discomfort during an apicoectomy. In fact, this procedure is often less invasive than the preceding root canal procedure, and involves a shorter and less painful recovery.

What is the average cost of an apicoectomy?

Apicoectomy typically costs between $900-$1,300 without insurance and $100-$500 out-of-pocket under a typical dental plan. Your dentist might determine that the only alternative is extraction, which can cost $75 to $200.

Do you need antibiotics after apicoectomy?

After you procedure, it is very important to follow post-operative instructions to prevent any serious complications. Proper care of the surgical area is important to insure proper healing. If after your surgery, you are given a prescription for antibiotics, get the prescription filled as soon as possible.

Is apicoectomy covered by dental insurance?

People may be covered for 0-90% of the cost for apicoectomy and pay between $100-500 in the end (“Apicoectomy Cost”; “The Cost and Financing of Apicoectomy Root End Surgery”). People may need retreatment or endodontic surgery because they experience some complications after their root canal surgery.

What happens if apicoectomy failed?

The major risk of apicoectomy is that it simply does not relieve a patient’s symptoms. If the area does not heal or continues to cause pain, this is consistent with apicoectomy failure and is considered a poor outcome. If this occurs, the patient may need a second apicoectomy or the tooth may need to be extracted.

How much is a root tip extraction?

Apicoectomy typically costs between $900-$1,300 without insurance and $100-$500 out-of-pocket under a typical dental plan. Your dentist might determine that the only alternative is extraction, which can cost $75 to $200. After extraction, you will need to replace the missing tooth.

Can an apicoectomy last a lifetime?

Yes, in nearly all cases the apicoectomy will last a lifetime and keep your tooth pain-free and infection-free.

Do they cut your gum during root canal?

During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist cuts through your gum and pushes the gum tissue aside in order to reach the root. Usually just a few millimeters of the root are removed, as is any infected tissue surrounding the root.