Root resection Zurich | finest smile

Sometimes a tooth is already so badly damaged by an inflammation that the root is also affected. In this case, an apicoectomy is often the only way to save the tooth. However, such treatment requires a great deal of experience and sensitivity. As a specialized dentist in Zurich, we are happy to help you quickly and competently in such cases. Make an appointment now at our practice Finest Smile at Zurich Löwenplatz so that we can take care of your problem and eliminate your discomfort!

Frequently asked questions about apicoectomy in Zurich

What is the difference between a root canal treatment and an apicoectomy?

During root canal treatment (or more precisely: root canal treatment), we treat the inflammation through the crown of the tooth from the inside (non-surgical). In an apicoectomy, however, we only reach the tip of the root from the outside (surgical procedure). In some cases it is necessary to do both at the same time. What the two treatments have in common is that they serve to preserve the affected tooth. To do this, it must be securely sealed after the procedure, for example with a filling or crown. This is the only way to ensure that no further bacteria or germs can enter the wound.

What needs to be considered after an apicoectomy?

Apicoectomy is an oral surgical procedure after which you should take it easy. If you feel pain, commercially available painkillers will help, as will cooling the affected area. Cooling pads also prevent bruising and swelling. Avoid black tea, coffee, alcohol and nicotine for 3 days after the treatment. You can eat again once the local anesthetic has worn off after a few hours. Good oral hygiene supports the healing process.

After about 7-10 days, the wound has healed sufficiently for us to remove the stitches. We can check the final success of the treatment when the healing of the bone is complete. This is the case after about 3-6 months. We then take new x-rays to check the current condition

What are the risks associated with an apicoectomy?

Root tip resection is considered a safe procedure. Nevertheless, the possibility of increased pain, slight swelling or bleeding cannot be ruled out in rare cases. As with any surgical procedure, there is also a risk of infection. It is also possible that neighboring teeth may be damaged during the treatment or that the inflammation cannot be completely removed. As your trusted dentist in Zurich, we will of course inform you in advance of any risks that may occur during the treatment.

How long does an apicoectomy take?

Depending on the complexity of the treatment, root tip resection takes between 30 and 60 minutes

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a special, surgical dental treatment that is performed on an inflamed tooth root tip. It refers to the surgical removal of the inflamed root tip and the surrounding tissue, if necessary.

When is an apicoectomy performed?

Root tip resection is necessary if previous root canal treatment has not been successful or cannot be carried out due to a particular curvature of the root canal. This often involves teeth in which the nerves have already been removed and root canal fillings have been carried out.

If an inflammation has spread to the root tip of a tooth, this not only causes severe pain. There is also a risk of an abscess forming with pus and/or the infection spreading to the jawbone. An apicoectomy is designed to prevent this, as we remove both the inflamed root tip and the surrounding tissue that has already been affected by the inflammation.

However, the prerequisite for an apicoectomy is that you are in good general health. In addition, the periodontium and the tooth root itself must not be too badly damaged. An apicoectomy only makes sense if the tooth is worth preserving.

How does an apicoectomy work?

After a comprehensive examination and personal consultation, in which we inform you about the treatment procedure, we can assess the current condition of the tooth using 2D or 3D- x-rays. These show whether the inflammation can be treated with regular root canal treatment. If this is not the case and all other requirements are met, we will perform an apicoectomy.

Before the actual treatment, you will be given a local anesthetic. When it takes effect, we first expose the root tip by carefully opening a small region of the local gum. This allows us to reach the inflamed tissue and the jawbone, which we have to remove in order to reach the root tip.

We then carefully remove the inflamed tip of the tooth root by shortening it, usually by around 3 millimeters. If necessary, we also remove the surrounding tissue, which is also affected by the inflammation. The root canal is then cleaned, thoroughly desinfected and then sealed. Cement, composite or other filling materials can be used for this. The previously exposed tissue is pushed back into place and the wound is carefully sutured.

If your root-treated tooth is bluish-greyish in color or has a different color than the rest of your teeth, your tooth can be whitened internally by an internal power bleaching. A ceramic stabilizing ceramic crown or overlay is also recommended for posterior teeth. We will be happy to advise you in our dental practice Finest Smile at Löwenplatz on the various options and which option suits you and your teeth best.