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If a tooth that has been previously endodonticly treated develops an infection, there are
certain surgical procedures that can be performed to save it.
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Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy
is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat a periapical infection of a previously endodonticly treated tooth. In some cases, it is the only possibility of saving a tooth, in others it is a way
to avoid replacing an existing post and crown (which is a cost benefit).
Local
anesthetic will be used. Once the patient is numb, the gum above the tooth is
cut and reflected away. An opening in the bone, at the site of the infection
is made, allowing access to the tip of the root, where the infection presents. The tip of the root is then cut away and a
small spoon is used to clean out the infection tissue. Then the dentist will make a small cavity preparation at the tip of
the root and fill it with a tiny amalgam filling, sealing the canal (Retrograde filling). The gum placed back and sutured
back.
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| Hemisection #19 10years after |
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Hemisection and root amputation
Hemisection
and root amputation are the procedures that are done in multi root teeth, when the infection is present at the apex
of one of the roots. Hemisection is mostly done on the lower molars. The tooth is cut in half between the roots, the infected
half of the tooth is removed and the remaining part is treated as a single root tooth.
The
amputation is the surgical procedure of removing the infected root of multi-root tooth. The crown part of the tooth is not
removed, but sealed with the filling material at the amputation side.
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*The information contained on this site
is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed as the delivery of dental/medical advice
and it does not substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or treatment planning. Persons requiring diagnosis, treatment, or with
specific questions are urged to contact your family dental/health care provider for appropriate care.
Copyright 2005-2008 by Dr. Vadim Khrakovsky
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