Treatment at a Glance
Treatment Type
Anaesthetic
Pre-Treatment Care
Recovery Time
What is Peri-Radicular Surgery?
Peri-radicular surgery, also known as an apicectomy, is a minor surgical procedure used to save a tooth by removing the infected tip of the root end. Peri-radicular surgery is carried out when there is no need to remove the existing root canal filling as the restoration is a good fit and the rest of the tooth remains uninfected.
The Treatment Process
Assessment & Planning
Before the procedure, our dentist will take X-rays to view the infection around the root tip, checking that the tooth can be saved.
Gum Incision
Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area around the tooth, before the dentist makes a small incision in the gum. The gum is then gently lifted to expose the bone and infected root tip.
Removal of Infection
The infected tissue is cleaned out and the tip of the tooth root is removed. In some cases, a small piece of bone may also be removed to allow access to the root.
Root-End Filling
The end of the root canal is sealed with a special filling material, which prevents bacteria from re-entering the root.
Closing the Gum
The gum is repositioned and small stitches are placed to close the incision. These stitches are usually removed after a few days or are sometimes dissolvable.
Peri-Radicular Surgery FAQs
Why do I need Peri-Radicular surgery?
Peri-Radicular Surgery is recommended when a previous root canal has failed or the infection has returned.
If this is the case, retreatment is difficult and unlikely to succeed, therefore peri-radicular surgery is recommended. It allows the dentist to remove infection while saving the tooth.
Is Peri-Radicular surgery painful?
Peri-Radicular surgery is preformed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain throughout. Most patients experience some soreness and tenderness afterwards, which is usually manageable with painkillers.
How long does recovery take?
Swelling usually peaks 2 to 3 days after surgery, but can be controlled by placing ice over the swollen area. You can resume normal activites after a day or two.
What should I avoid after surgery?
You should avoid hard or crunchy food and chewing on the side where you received peri-radicular surgery as to not impact the stitches. You should also avoid smoking or vaping.
Book Your Consultation Today
Other Dental Implant Treatments
Contact Information
5 Maidenplain Place, Aberuthven, Perthshire, PH3 1EL
8:30am to 5pm | Mon – Fri
01764 66 44 46