Endodontic Procedures

Why might I need Endodontic Surgery?

Generally, a root canal treatment is all that you need to save teeth with an infected or injured pulp from requiring extraction. These procedures are about 85 percent successful according to dental literature. If this non-surgical procedure is not sufficient to heal the tooth, your endodontist or general dentist may refer you to Dr. Noraian for surgical endodontic treatment. Endodontic surgery may be as diagnostic as it is therapeutic, because Dr. Noraian may use it to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays and to treat a tooth that is in pain even after conventional root canal treatment.  Dr. Noraian can also use this procedure to treat damaged root surfaces or infections on the surrounding bone.

There are several surgical options that may assist you when a previously root canal treated tooth begins to fail including:

1. Apicoectomy – resection of the root tip of a single-rooted or multi-rooted tooth
2. Root Amputation – separation of the infected root from a multi-rooted tooth
3. Extraction with intentional re-implantation – removal of the tooth, placing a filling in the open root canal and re-implanting the tooth
4. Extraction with Ridge Repair – removal of the tooth and repair to the jawbone for other restorative options like dental implants or removable appliances

Dr. Noraian will review your options and provide you with recommendations that will help you accomplish your treatment objectives.