(719) 528-6450
2465 Research Pkwy, #100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Endodontic Surgery in Colorado Springs

Endodontic surgery can also be known as root canal surgery. This is a procedure that is used to treat a dental infection or abscess that is located deep in the root of the tooth. This type of procedure is used when the usual root canal procedure is not sufficient. Endodontic surgery is a procedure that is able to save the natural tooth.

Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with our endodontist at (719) 528-6450.

Endodontic surgery: process, types, and recovery

When is Endodontic Surgery Needed?

Persistent infections- It is possible that even after a root canal procedure, you may experience persistent infections, which would be an indication that endodontic surgery may be needed. The reason why this may be needed is because sometimes there are hidden canals that were not visible during the initial part of the treatment.

Diagnosis of dental pain- When nonsurgical methods are not providing the results you were hoping for, endodontic surgery helps diagnose the location and root cause of dental pain.

Treatment of root surface or bone issues- There are instances where some conditions were not addressed during the traditional treatment. This can affect the root surface or surrounding bone.

Common Types of Endodontic Surgery

Apicoectomy (Root-end resection)- This is the most common type of endodontic surgery. This would involve removing the root tip along with the infected area. To seal the point of entry, a filling is placed to seal the area and protect the tooth from further decay.

Root canal retreatment- A root canal retreatment is common when the infection comes back after already having a root canal. This type of procedure would involve reopening the point of entry, removing the material that the root was filled with, cleaning the canal of the tooth, refilling the tooth with the medications, and sealing it to protect the tooth from further infection.

Root repair or removal- In some cases, a procedure is needed that might require removing parts of the tooth that are cracked, damaged, or decayed.

The Surgical Procedure

Preparation- In this part of the procedure, the team will take x-rays and images of the specific tooth. This way, the doctor can see where the infection is located and the parameters of the affected area. After taking the images needed, the endodontist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Surgical process- During this part of the procedure, the specialist will make a small cut at the gumline to show the bone underneath and remove the infected tissue. In some cases, the end of the root is removed, and then a filling is used to seal the area and prevent further infection.

Recovery and aftercare- After the surgery, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions given by the endodontist to ensure a successful healing process. The specialist will prescribe medications for pain and to avoid infections. We will also make follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and make any adjustments as needed.

Common Myths

Myth: Endodontic surgery is extremely painful.
Fact: Because the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, it is unlikely that you will feel any pain during the procedure. It is normal to experience some soreness or discomfort, but this should subside within a few hours.

Myth: Endodontic surgery is a last resort and rarely successful.
Fact: Endodontic surgery is meant to save the natural tooth from being extracted. This procedure has a high success rate and is necessary for cleaning out the infection from the tooth’s root.

Myth: Recovery from endodontic surgery is long and complicated.
Fact: Our talented endodontist is the best at making sure patients have the best experience before, during and after the procedure. We aim to make the healing process as quick and painless as possible. Our team will be with you in every step of the process.

Endodontic surgery is an important part of saving the natural tooth. The endodontist and the team will be there with you every step of the way. We will offer a solution to maintaining great oral hygiene. Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with our team at (719) 528-6450.

Frequently Asked Questions

Endodontic surgery can also be known as root canal surgery. This is a procedure that is used to treat a dental infection or abscess that is located deep in the root of the tooth. This type of procedure is used when the usual root canal procedure is not sufficient. The endodontic surgery is a procedure that is able to save the natural tooth.

During this procedure, the endodontist makes a small cut in the gums above the tooth and then, removes the infected area as well as the root tip. After the procedure, a filling will be placed to seal the area to keep it from further infection.

This procedure is done under local anesthesia, so it is unlikely that you will feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort, but this should be temporary and go away within a few days. The endodontist will give you aftercare instructions to manage any pain and instructions for keeping the area clean to avoid any post-op infections.

This procedure has many benefits, one of them being able to save the natural tooth from being extracted. It is best to keep the natural tooth as this will help maintain bone levels, chewing, prevent other teeth from shifting together and keeping the best natural look to your smile.

Recovery will depend on the severity of the procedure and will depend on each patient. To be fully healed, it usually takes patients a few days to get back to their normal activities. The endodontist will be able to go over aftercare instructions so you will have the quickest recovery possible.

With any surgery, there is always a risk of possible infection, damage to nerves, or sinus issues if the procedure is close to the sinuses. These risks are minimal, but the endodontist will be able to go over all of this with you at the consultation and go over any concerns that you may have.

This type of procedure is highly successful in extracting the infection and getting the tooth back to its natural health. Success rates do depend on each specific case and course of treatment, as well as the health of the tooth that is being affected.

For this procedure, it would depend on the health of the crown you currently have. The endodontist may be able to use the existing crown if the health and structure of the crown are strong. However, if the crown or the area around it is damaged before or during surgery, it is possible that you will need a new crown.

After the procedure is complete, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions to avoid any further infections or damage to the treated tooth. It is possible that the endodontist will prescribe medications, give instructions for maintaining good oral health, and avoid that side of the mouth until the area is fully healed.

The alternative to this procedure is to get the tooth extracted. It is recommended that the natural tooth be saved as this will be best for the long-term benefits of oral health. If there is no avoiding a tooth extraction, then we would recommend replacing the missing tooth with a bridge or implant. Either of these options would depend on each patient’s specific case, but together the dentist and the endodontist will be able to come up with the right solution for you.

BOOKING HOURS

M 7:30-4 | Tu 7:30-4 | Wed 7:30-4 | Th 7:30-4 | Fr 7:00-1

We are OPEN for ALL dental care procedures and emergency needs. Protecting the health and safety of our patients, families, and team members remains our number one priority.

Free $50 Gift Card*

$50 Gift Card when you complete an appointment with us!

*Redeemable after completed paid treatment. Must be a new patient our organization (all locations). The patient will receive a gift card via email or SMS after completion of their appointment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.

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For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!

^For New Patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 18 or older to receive free exam and x-rays. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans. Additional fees may be included in individual cases.

$99 Hygiene Visit^^

For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!

^^For new patients without dental insurance. Includes Exam, X-Ray and Routine Cleaning. A Periodontal Cleaning requires additional fees, and rescheduled for further treatment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.

Rogers and Platt Dental

Hours

M 7:30-4 | Tu 7:30-4 | Wed 7:30-4 | Th 7:30-4 | Fr 7:00-1

Contact

2465 Research Pkwy, #100

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

(719) 528-6450

researchpkwy@platinumdentalservices.com

Special offers for Gift Cards and Teeth Whitening require new patients to complete an appointment. Offers cannot be combined, are limited to one per patient, and must be used within one year of your first appointment. If you’re a new patient without insurance, you may qualify for free exams and X-rays. Please note, additional appointments may be necessary for optimal dental care. We have a cancellation policy in place requiring 48-hours notice for regular appointments and 4 business-days for specialists. Non-compliance incurs a $50 fee for standard appointments and $150 for specialty appointments.