Have you ever been told you need an apicoectomy or endodontic microsurgery and wondered what it involves? These advanced procedures are designed to save teeth that might otherwise be lost to infection. They’re minimally invasive procedures that can target hard-to-reach areas of your tooth. While the idea of oral surgery can be intimidating, an apicoectomy is a specialized treatment designed to address complex dental issues while saving your natural tooth.

At Liv Endodontics in Livingston, we make this advanced procedure accessible and comfortable by using state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered care. Sometimes, a dental infection can spread into the roots of a tooth and beyond to the jawbone. To protect the tooth in question, we may recommend an apicoectomy. This is a form of endodontic microsurgery that involves the tips of the roots of the teeth. If you have noticed problems with your tooth even after a root canal treatment, reach out to Liv Endodontics today; our team of endodontists can help determine whether an apicoectomy in Livingston might be necessary.

WHY CHOOSE LIV ENDODONTICS FOR APICOECTOMIES?

Choosing a qualified and intelligent provider can make all the difference in your health and well-being, and this idea also applies to endodontics. We work in a specialized area of dentistry, meaning you can trust our practice to give you consistent and effective treatment. We stand out from the competition with the following:

Highly trained NYU Endodontists with 10+ years of experience
CBCT technology for treatment planning
Easy to schedule same-day emergency appointments
We prioritize your comfort
Cutting Edge EdgePro Laser
Zeiss microscopes to view and address microscopic bacteria
Trusted by referring dentists
Multiple locations to serve more communities
Welcoming office and reception spaces
A team of multiple dedicated endodontists

If you want to learn more about what sets our incredible and helpful team apart from other professionals, please reach out. Our team at Liv Endodontics can help you find the best treatment plan and procedures for your specific needs.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor surgery performed by endodontists. Generally, an apicoectomy is used to treat infections found at the tip of a tooth’s root, removing infected tissue and preventing additional pain. This mitigates the chances of developing more infections, increasing the likelihood you can save your natural tooth. Generally, about 90% of modern apicoectomies are successful, meaning that approximately 9 out of every 10 teeth treated last several years after treatment.

The Apicoectomy Treatment Process

Your comfort is important to us, so we will always make sure your mouth has been properly numbed before we move forward with your apicoectomy. Then, we’ll open the gums so that we can work with your tooth roots. This means we’ll make a small incision in the gum tissue near the affected tooth.

The tip of the root will be taken off, and we’ll get rid of any infected tissue we find. A filling will be placed to seal the root. This filling is permanent and may be made of gutta-percha or mineral trioxide aggregate, also called MTA. After that, all that’s left is to suture the gums in place so that they can heal properly.

What Happens After My Apicoectomy?

Once your apicoectomy is complete, you may experience a small amount of discomfort and swelling. Ibuprofen and similar over-the-counter medications can help you manage the pain; antibiotics may also be prescribed to minimize the chances of infection. You should notice an improvement in your symptoms after a few days.

If your discomfort seems to grow worse instead of fading away, something has gone wrong, and you should contact us right away so that we can figure out what the issue is. Please don’t hesitate to speak with an emergency dentist or another medical provider who can support you in an emergency.

We can also ensure you know what to do after your apicoectomy procedure, and we recommend the following steps to help you heal and recover more quickly:

Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where you had the surgery for at least the first few days after your procedure
Rest and relax as much as possible for the first 48 hours, as this will help speed up recovery
Apply ice to any areas where you feel pain, discomfort, or swelling for no more than 20 minutes at a time
Alter your diet to consume primarily soft and easily digestible foods
Be gentle with your oral hygiene
Gradually return to your regular activities, including exercise and other strenuous tasks
Contact your dentist if you notice any signs of complication
No extremely hot or cold beverages or foods

If you need any additional information related to apicoectomies or other relevant endodontic microsurgery, feel free to give us a call. Our team at Liv Endodontics can help ensure you get the outstanding care and comfort you deserve. We’re also happy to provide additional recommendations if you need more assistance.

Why Choose Liv Endodontics for Your Apicoectomy Needs?

Choosing Liv Endodontics for your apicoectomy means prioritizing your oral health with a team dedicated to advanced care and patient comfort. With our highly trained endodontists, state-of-the-art technology, and patient-focused approach, we strive to provide exceptional care for every patient. Our use of advanced technology ensures that your treatment is precise, minimally invasive, and effective, setting a high standard for endodontic care.

Whether you’re managing ongoing tooth pain, addressing complications from a previous root canal, or seeking a practice you can trust, we are here to help. We’re proud to offer same-day emergency appointments, comfortable and welcoming offices, and a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for your smile. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (973) 577-6500 or filling out our contact form. Let us help you restore your oral health with confidence.

Root Canal FAQs

Do Root Canals Make You Sick?

Back in the 1920s, a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research proved that it was better to extract the tooth than perform a root canal. There was just one problem: the study he conducted was poorly designed. In fact, this theory has been disproven numerous times over the last several decades for that very reason. Simply put, root canals do NOT make you sick.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Pain is just one symptom of a severely damaged or infected tooth. Dark discoloration on the tooth and bleeding gums are also warning signs that root canal treatment is needed. So, don’t assume that just because you aren’t in pain that everything is fine!

What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

If you need a few days to figure out the financial side of your care, request PTO, and arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment, that’s perfectly fine! However, you shouldn’t wait much longer than that. If you do, then the root of the problem will continue to worsen to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved, and your surrounding teeth and gums are harmed.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

Before the procedure, we will thoroughly numb your mouth so you don’t feel any pain. Of course, this is only temporary, so some soreness once you return home and the numbing agent wears off is to be expected. The good news is that there are several easy ways you can prevent this discomfort from becoming severe, like taking OTC pain medication as directed, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, and sticking to soft foods.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Root canals can usually be prevented, yes! So, if you want to reduce the chances of you needing to come to our office for this emergency dental treatment (or any restorative dental treatment, for that matter) it’s important that you make caring for your smile a priority. That includes brushing for a full two minutes each time, flossing consistently, getting a dental checkup and cleaning semi-annually, and keeping your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

No, antibiotics are not an adequate replacement for root canal treatment. That’s because – although this medication can eliminate infections in other parts of the body – it can’t address tooth infections.

Note: If you are scared of getting a root canal and want to discuss your other treatment options, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’d be happy to answer any questions you have, provide insight on the benefits of root canal therapy, and find out what we can do to make your experience at our office as positive and anxiety-free as possible.

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(973) 577-6500

22 Old Short Hills Rd STE 208
Livingston, NJ 07039

(908) 608-8018

25 Franklin Place Unit 1
Summit, NJ 07901

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Monday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Tuesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Wednesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Thursday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Friday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Monday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Tuesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Wednesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Thursday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Friday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Apicoectomies & Endodontic Microsurgery LIVINGSTON

A SOPHISTICATED SOLUTION FOR YOUR TOOTH INFECTION