Endodontic or Apical Surgery in Virginia Beach, VA

Coastal Virginia Endodontics provides endodontic or apical surgery in Virginia Beach, VA. Call

to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is Surgical Endodontics?

Surgical endodontics includes procedures and treatments that require access below the gum tissue to restore the health of a tooth. This means that the gum tissue will need to be opened to perform the procedure, then closed with sutures afterwards. Anesthesia is used to ensure the procedure is comfortable.

Benefits of Surgical Endodontics

Addresses the source of the infection. In some cases bacteria enters a tooth through the root to cause an infection of the dental pulp. An apicoectomy gets to the source of the infection and blocks the entry point of the bacteria to the tooth, preventing reinfection.
Prevents infection from spreading. Surgical endodontics involves the removal of all of the infected tissue, which prevents it from spreading to the other teeth and tissues.
Saves the tooth. In many cases surgical endodontic treatment can save a tooth and allow it to remain in your mouth, functioning normally and preserving your natural smile.
Repairs damage to surrounding tissues. Entry into the gum tissue provides access to the underlying tissues in order to repair damage caused by an infection.

Why Choose Coastal Virginia Endodontics PLLC

We provide specialized treatment that addresses the health of the teeth from the inside. Dr. Kirpal, our double Board Certified endodontist, can often save teeth that would otherwise be considered beyond saving by general dentists and other endodontists. We offer the best chance of keeping your natural teeth in place, functioning and looking natural. Our friendly and compassionate team of professionals help you feel comfortable when you come in for treatment. We understand that the idea of having endodontic surgery may cause you to feel nervous or even fearful, but we offer sedation options to help ease your anxiety. Our goal is to provide the care you need in a relaxing environment.

Procedures Offered

Apicoectomy. The most common type of endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy. This procedure requires surgical entry into the gums to access the root of the tooth. The tip of the root is removed and a filling or cap is placed over it to seal the tooth and prevent infection. Any infected tissue around the tooth root is removed as well.
Other surgical procedures. There may be other situations that require endodontic surgery to access infected or damaged tissues. Surgical endodontics encompasses a wide variety of procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Endodontics

Why do I need surgical endodontics?

You may need a surgical endodontic procedure if you have a severely infected tooth or if there is a problem with the root of a tooth. The purpose of surgical endodontics is to provide treatment below the surface with the goal of saving the tooth.

How long will my procedure take?

An apicoectomy may take anywhere from 40-90 minutes. The exact length of the procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the case and the type of anesthesia you will have.

Will I need stitches after surgical endodontics?

In most cases a couple of sutures will be used to close the gum tissue after endodontic surgery. These stitches will typically dissolve on their own as the tissue heals, usually within a week of your surgery.

How long does it take to recover from endodontic surgery?

Recovery from endodontic surgery should only take a day of rest, then a couple of weeks for the tissue to completely heal. You’ll need to eat soft foods for the first few days to a week following your surgery to avoid damaging the gum tissue as it heals.

How long will the tooth last after an apicoectomy?

In many cases a tooth that is treated with an apicoectomy will go on to last for the rest of your life. The filling or cap placed over the tip of the tooth root prevents future infection from entering the tooth through the root. The tooth remains intact and functional.

Is it worth having endodontic surgery?

If your tooth can be saved with endodontic surgery, it is always in the best interest of your oral health to go ahead with the procedure. Having the tooth extracted leaves a gap in your mouth that may cause other teeth to shift out of place and replacing a tooth with a dental prosthetic is expensive.

Contact Us

To learn more, call

757-557-0600

or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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