Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is generally performed when the pulp (nerve) of a tooth has been infected by bacteria or has been traumatized by an accident.  Without treatment, the infection may lead to worsening abscess, swelling, and pain.  Although extraction of the tooth could remove the source of bacteria, one would lose the tooth.  A root canal procedure allows one to save the tooth.  It aims to eliminate the bacteria and pain by cleaning out the internal anatomy of the roots and filling them with a synthetic material.  After a root canal procedure, a permanent restoration must be done to seal the access opening of the tooth and re-establish shape and function.

Root canal retreatment

Although root canal treatments have a high success rate, a small percentage of cases may require root canal retreatment due to persistent infection or re-infection of the tooth.  In such cases, the procedure is similar to an initial root canal treatment, but is complicated by the removal of restorative materials in the tooth.  Special attention is given to correct the reason for failure of the initial treatment.

Apicoectomy

In a small percentage of cases that have persistent infection after a root canal procedure, an apicoectomy (root end surgery) may be indicated to resolve the problem.  The minor surgery consists of direct removal of the infection at the root end through a small incision in the gums adjacent to the tooth.  The root ends are also sealed with a special biocompatible material.  Stitches are used to close up the gums and healing is usually rapid.