The aim of endodontic surgery is to eliminate infection from the root of the tooth, or the tissues surrounding the root. Next to labor pains, there is nothing worse than a toothache. It is persistent, and it feels as though even eating and talking is an absolute nightmare.
A visit to your dentist usually includes an x-ray, which may reveal that there is something wrong with the roots of your teeth. In order to save the tooth, an endodontic surgery may have to be done. It should be stressed that endodontic 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.
Objectives of endodontic surgery
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.
There are eight signs that may indicate that your dentist may have to resort to endodontic surgery:
• abnormal growth of the molars and mandibles
• the extremity or tip of the root of a tooth is blocked
• protruding, broken or damaged file
• persistent pain
• persistent cyst
• the root is cracked
• perforated root
• problem is diagnosed when a flap is raised
Before and after endodontic surgery
The fear factor is the greatest enemy, when going through an endodontic surgery. Both the patient and the dentist are usually hesitant to perform this surgery. For the specialist, however, exposing the sinuses should not be a problem. Patients have to be warned from blowing their nose for 36 hours after surgery, and should be prescribed antibiotics and pain killers.
Endodontic surgery: the use of local anaesthetics is used, before performing the procedure.
The patient may or may not drive home after surgery, depending on the advice of the dentist.
The prescription of antibiotics and pain killers will have to be properly complied to, 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 health insurance company, as to whether endodontic surgery is covered. If your insurance does not cover endodontic surgery, then an upgrade in your dental insurance plan may be necessary.