Next to labor pains, there is nothing worse than a toothache. It is persistent and incomprehensible. It feels as though even the tips of your hair are sensitive. Eating and talking is an absolute nightmare, and if you love going out and eat and chat your lunch break away with your girlfriends, then this is the end of the world. People can only sympathise. They cannot empathise; it is a pain that is specified for you.
A visit to your dentist usually includes an x-ray which may reveal that there is something wrong with the roots of your teeth that look normal from the reflection on the mirror. In order to save the tooth and endodontic surgery may have to be done. It should be stressed that endodontic surgery, referred to incorrectly as an apicoectomy, is not to be used instead of conventional endodontics. Surgery is specific for those cases where conventional techniques can no longer be applied. Endodontic surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes and is successful most of the time. Apicoectomy simply allows the dentist to read and examine the root of the tooth and the canals which may be filled if necessary.
Treatment and Objective
Dentists do not like to extract teeth. They are trained that the first step to a successful practice is to save the tooth and exhaust all available treatments before there is no other recourse but to remove the offending material. The aim of endodontic surgery is to eliminate infection from the root of the tooth or the tissues at or surrounding the tissues of the root.
Signs
There are nine signs that may resort to endodontic surgery:
• Aberrant or abnormal growth of the molars and mandibles
• the extremity or tip (apices) of the root of a tooth are blocked
• protruding, broken or damaged file
• relief free pain
• persistent cyst
• the root is cracked
• perforated root
• problem is diagnosed when a flap is raised
• as an alternative treatment (this is the cheapest and quickest)
Fear factor is the greatest enemy when going through an endodontic surgery. Both the patient and the dentist are usually hesitant to perform this. For the specialist, however, exposing the sinuses by using full thickness opening should not be a problem. Patients have to be warned from blowing their nose for 36 hours and should be prescribed antibiotics and pain killers.
Endodontic surgery can hurt, just like any other. The use of local anaesthetics is indicated before performing the procedure. The patient may or may not drive home after, that all depends on the advice of the dentist. The prescription of antibiotics and pain killers will have to be properly complied to avoid infection and complications. Recovery is fairly short and easy. Patients usually return to normal activities and work the next day. As to the question of insurance, the patient must inquire from their insurance companies as they do not offer the same benefits. If your insurance does not support this, and simply carries tooth extraction, then that has to be considered as well.