Dental Services
The dental operating microscope allows the doctor to see far more than the naked eye would allow. Dr. Jarrett has used the operating microscope on every case since 2001 and has completed over 15,000 surgical and non-surgical procedures in that time. Let's just say he would not leave home without it!
Microsurgical Endodontic Therapy
(aka Apicoectomy)
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
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Generally, non-surgical root canal therapy is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic microsurgery can be used to eliminate fractures, hidden canal anatomy, or biofilm infections on the surface of the tooth root that are not apparent on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
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What is an Apicoectomy?
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An apicoectomy involves removing the tip of a tooth root that is harboring bacteria and causing a chronic infection. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum tissue is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be prescribed. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call us as this is not normal.
Microscope Enhanced Non-surgical
Root Canal Treatment and Re-Treatment
What is a root canal?
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A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, with over 14 million every year. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of a tooth infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, or pain to temperature changes or biting pressure in the tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp or root canal re-treatment if the tooth is experiencing problem after initial root canal therapy. This injured pulp (or contaminated root canal filling material in the case of re-treatment) is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This therapy involves local anesthesia and is usually completed in a single visit depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 85-95% of cases depending upon the starting condition of the tooth. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Generally post operative complications and pain are minimal and you should be able to return to your regular routine immediately after treatment.
What happens after treatment?
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When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our facility. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
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How much will it cost?
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The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth. In any event, we will do our level best to provide you with an accurate estimate prior to beginning any treatment.
