Root canal surgery is often the treatment of last resort after root canal therapy fails. Even after root canal retreatment, a tooth will continue to cause pain and discomfort and need something done. During the procedure, a hole is made though the bone to expose the end of the root of a tooth that is experiencing root canal failure. The end of the tooth is removed and sealed during the procedure. In some cases, donated bone is placed into the hole to speed healing and the soft tissues are sutured back into place to cover the area of the surgery.

          Occasionally a root canal surgery involves sectioning a tooth to completely remove only the root that is failed. It's called a root amputation. The remaining roots can often support the tooth after a special dental crown is constructed to cover the sectioned tooth. This procedure is performed in the dental office under local anaesthesia and usually lasts about one to one and a half hours. The patient is given a dental antibiotic prescription to avoid a dental infection along with a narcotic pain medication to reduce post surgical root canal pain. In one week the stitches removed.

          Root canal surgery sounds bad but it really isn't. The tooth being worked on is not alive since the nerve was removed during the previous endodontic treatment. Bone has no nerves to feel so there's very little discomfort when the access to the root tip is being made. The gum tissues over the bone may experience some discomfort and there may be some suture irritation, but both of these problems are usually minor.

          Dental infections from root canal failure can spread throughout the body and cause serious medical problems. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and are very concerned about dental infections. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Our Financial Manager will do everything she can to assist you in obtaining your needed dental care. If you would like to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith or Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky about root canal surgery, please call 404-874-7428 for an appointment.