Apicoectomy - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Apicoectomy: A Long-Term Solution for Tooth Preservation
Precision Endodontic Care to Save Your Natural Tooth
An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is a common and effective procedure used to treat persistent infection at the tip of a tooth’s root.
When a traditional root canal treatment isn’t enough to heal the surrounding bone, an apicoectomy allows our team to access and clean the area directly. Our precision approach to apicoectomy in Coeur d’Alene, ID, preserves your natural tooth root and prevents the need for extraction, helping maintain your bite and smile for years to come.
Does Your Tooth Need Apicoectomy?
When Is Apicoectomy the Best Option?
- Persistent infection after a root canal treatment
- Hidden or complex root structures that couldn’t be cleaned previously
- Small cysts or bone lesions around the root tip
- A fractured root tip or damage to the surrounding bone
- Swelling, tenderness, or recurring gum irritation near a treated tooth
How Can Apicoectomy Benefit Your Smile?
- Saves your natural tooth and helps you avoid extraction
- Removes infection and promotes bone healing
- Relieves pain and inflammation caused by infection
- Restores comfort and chewing function
- Offers a long-lasting solution for complex endodontic issues
What to Expect During the Apicoectomy Process
Your treatment begins with a thorough consultation and 3D imaging to evaluate the affected tooth and surrounding bone. As an endodontic specialist, Dr. Shaun Whitney uses advanced diagnostics to locate the source of infection and determine if an apicoectomy is the best option.
During this visit, he’ll explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions, ensuring you feel confident and informed before moving forward.
We’ll ensure that you can rest comfortably throughout the procedure with safe and effective pain control tailored to your needs.
When you’re ready, Dr. Whitney carefully makes a small incision near the gumline to access the root tip, removing any infected tissue and sealing the end of the root to prevent bacteria from re-entering. The area is then cleaned, disinfected, and closed with small sutures. The entire process typically takes about an hour, and most people report only mild discomfort afterward.
Recovery from an apicoectomy is generally smooth and manageable. You may experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days, but this can be easily controlled with over-the-counter medication and cold compresses.
You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to help promote proper healing, and most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Within a few months, the bone and tissues around your tooth root will heal completely, leaving your tooth healthy and strong again.
Give Your Tooth the Best Chance of Survival
Dr. Whitney’s expertise as a dual-trained periodontist and endodontist in Coeur d’Alene, ID, gives him unique skills to combine surgical expertise with a deep understanding of gum and bone health. With state-of-the-art imaging, precision surgical techniques, and advanced root canal care technology, we can provide accurate and comfortable treatment every time.
We take a conservative approach that always prioritizes saving your natural teeth whenever possible. From diagnosis through recovery, our team provides exceptional care designed to restore your comfort and confidence in your smile.
