Richard Raymond, D.M.D, M.Sc.D. Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics

(404) 500-8503

Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)

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In certain situations where a tooth is not healing properly, endodontic surgery (apicoectomy) may be necessary. This type of surgery helps to locate fractures or small hidden canals at the root tip that, while they do not appear on x-rays, are in fact present and can be the source of continued pain and infection in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces and the surrounding bone are also treated with this procedure.

During the surgery, Dr. Raymond will open the gum tissue near the tooth remove an, inspect the bone and root , remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very tip of the root and it’s accompanying small canals are usually removed. He will then place a few sutures to close the gums.

Usually a sample of the removed tissue is sent to a lab to be analyzed by a pathologist. This analysis gives Dr. Raymond valuable information about the original cause of the infection.