Endodontic Surgery in Amarillo, TX

Endodontic surgery is performed when a tooth is at risk of failing and is unable to be saved by root canal therapy. There are different types of endodontic surgery available that aim to fix problems affecting a tooth’s root. The goal of this treatment is to save the natural tooth and restore its function. Dr. Steffan Scherer performs endodontic surgery at Full Smile Endodontics. He uses advanced CBCT imaging technology and techniques to make surgery more comfortable and to achieve predictable outcomes.

If you or your child are in need of endodontic surgery after a previously performed root canal procedure, contact Full Smile Endodontics in Amarillo, TX, today.

What is Endodontic Surgery?

Endodontic surgery is performed by an endodontist, who is a dentist that specializes in endodontic treatment. Dr. Scherer performs many types of endodontic surgery procedures in the comfort of our Amarillo office. There are several types of endodontic surgical treatments available, and Dr. Scherer will choose the right treatment based on the individual care you need. Endodontic surgery’s main purpose is to save your natural teeth.

It is also helpful in locating small fractures or hidden canals that a previous X-ray did not detect and may be necessary to remove calcium deposits within the root canals.

Why It’s Done

Root canal therapy is often an effective way to save a natural tooth, but sometimes an infection does not fully disappear or future root problems develop. If a root canal is performed but infection or pain persists, endodontic surgery may be necessary to save the tooth.

Our office uses advanced 3D CBCT imaging, which can provide more information than traditional X-rays. If we take a scan of your teeth and detect cracks or hidden canals within your teeth and roots that were previously undetected from 2D X-rays, endodontic surgery may be recommended to repair the damage and prevent future issues.

Types of Endodontic Procedures

There are several types of procedures that can save a tooth. When you visit Full Smile Endodontics for the first time, we will examine your teeth and take 3D scans to determine the right type of treatment for you.

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy, or root-end restoration, is the most common type of endodontic surgery. This is performed when the bony area around the end of a tooth is inflamed or becomes infected after root canal therapy.

Dr. Scherer will numb the area with local anesthesia and make an incision in the gum tissue to access the root. He will remove inflamed tissue and the tip of the infected root. A filling is placed, if necessary, and then the incision is closed with sutures. Bone will heal around the end of the root in the following months, resulting in a healthy tooth that is able to function naturally.

Replantation

Intentional replantation is when a tooth is extracted from the mouth, treatment is performed on it, and it is reinserted back into the socket. This is often a last resort and is considered if it is likely that traditional endodontic surgery would fail.

During a replantation procedure, Dr. Scherer will gently extract the tooth and perform an apicoectomy and/or filling extraorally. He will then replant the tooth inside the alveolar socket. This procedure can save your natural tooth, and once healed, the replanted tooth will look and function normally.

Root Repair

If an apicoectomy to remove the infected tip of a root is not necessary, root repair surgery may be performed. This surgery involves your endodontist repairing an injured tooth root or removing one or more roots. Root resorption may also require root repair surgery.

In children, tooth roots absorb naturally as the baby teeth fall out to make room for permanent teeth. If root resorption occurs in adults, it may cause the tooth structure to deteriorate. We can treat this condition by exposing and repairing the area of resorption. This allows new bone and tissue to grow in its place and restores symmetry to your smile.