Apicoectomy Procedure NYC
Apicoectomy Procedure in NYC
- What Is An Apicoectomy?
- What To Expect After An Apicoectomy
- What Is The Average Cost Of An Apicoectomy?
- Midtown Endodontist NYC
You may not have heard the term “apicoectomy” until now, but it is actually a very common procedure in endodontists’ offices. Similar to root canals, apicoectomies remove rotten tissue from the root of a tooth so that a cavity can be filled in again. But as we’ll explain below, apicoectomies are slightly different and require a significantly longer recovery period following the procedure.
At Midtown Endodontist NYC, we specialize in endodontic procedures in NYC including apicoectomies, root canal therapy, emergency root canal treatment, root canal retreatments, and emergency endodontic procedures. Our caring and experienced staff ensures that every patient receives a warm welcome and stays informed about their dental health and procedures.
If you have an apicoectomy scheduled or you know that you need to schedule one soon, read through these frequently asked questions to get a better idea of what you can expect.
What Is an Apicoectomy in Dentistry?
An apicoectomy surgery is also called a root-end filling or an orthograde root canal. It is a more complex procedure than the average root canal and involves removing the tip of a tooth’s root. Once the tip is removed, the remaining space is filled with a biocompatible substance that helps keep the root structure intact.
What to Expect After an Apicoectomy
After you have an apicoectomy, you can expect the following side effects immediately after the procedure:
- Swelling after the surgery
- Post-surgery bleeding
- Apicoectomy pain medication side effects including dizziness and fatigue
It is extremely important to take care of your teeth post-surgery as directed by your endodontist. These steps include:
- Taking prescriptions as directed
- Cleaning the area regularly
- Avoiding irritating the area
- Adjusting your diet as directed
- Avoiding situations and activities that could result in a fall or trauma to the mouth
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Apicoectomy?
Six weeks after you have the procedure, the sutures should be completely dissolved, but healing from an apicoectomy takes longer. Some patients heal fully after only a few months. Depending on how complicated the operation was, it can take up to six months for new tissue to fill in the cavity left by your apicoectomy.
Is an Apicoectomy Painful?
Apicoectomy Complications
Although this procedure is more invasive than a root canal in most cases, you will receive anesthesia to prevent pain during your apicoectomy and to make you feel comfortable throughout its duration. Recovery for an apicoectomy can involve swelling and minor discomfort, which is the worst the first few days after surgery.
Many patients control postoperative discomfort with a recommended over-the-counter pain medication, rarely requiring a prescription. Other patients recover without taking any pain medications.
What Are the Risks and Complications of an Apicoectomy?
Risks for an apicoectomy include a rare infection at the surgical site or nerve damage. These complications are unlikely but can occur after many different dental procedures. It is important to see a licensed dentist or endodontist with experience performing this procedure to give yourself a better chance of avoiding associated risks.
Another possibility is that the apicoectomy fails to treat the infected tooth or that it fails to heal properly. These extremely rare complications may be the result of a patient’s compromised immune system or underlying health condition. Your endodontist will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure prior to surgery.
What Is the Success Rate of an Apicoectomy?
Apicoectomies tend to be very successful procedures, with average success rates hovering around 97 percent. Even in apicoectomy cases that require surgical or non-surgical follow-up treatments, the success rate is still above 90 percent.
How Much Does An Apicoectomy Cost?
Without insurance, the typical apicoectomy cost is between $900 and $1,300. However, the cost of an apicoectomy varies based on the experience and qualifications of the endodontist, the region, the type of tooth, local rates and other factors. With insurance, you will likely only pay a small fraction of the average cost.
Schedule Your Appointment With Our Apicoectomy Dental Experts
If you want to find out more about our apicoectomy procedures, learn what an apicoectomy costs, or are interested in a free consultation, call us at (347) 708-8795. You can schedule an appointment with us by calling (347) 708-8795 or reaching out to us online.