Apicoectomy
Encyclopedia
A root end surgery, also known as apicoectomy (L. apex, apicis: a summit or a tip), is an endodontic surgical procedure whereby a tooth
's root tip is removed and a root end cavity is prepared and filled with a biocompatible material.
This is usually necessitated when a conventional root canal
therapy had failed and a re-treatment was already unsuccessful or is not advised. State of the art procedures make use of microsurgical techniques, such as a dental operating microscope
, micro instruments, ultrasonic preparation tips and calcium-silicate based filling materials.
Removal of the root tip is indicated to remove the entire apical delta
ensuring no uncleaned missed anatomy.
Tooth
Teeth are small, calcified, whitish structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates that are used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or for defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are embedded in the Mandible bone or the Maxillary bone and are...
's root tip is removed and a root end cavity is prepared and filled with a biocompatible material.
This is usually necessitated when a conventional root canal
Root canal
A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth. It is part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth that consists of the pulp chamber , the main canal, and more intricate anatomical branches that may connect the root canals to each other or to the surface of the root.-Root canal anatomy:...
therapy had failed and a re-treatment was already unsuccessful or is not advised. State of the art procedures make use of microsurgical techniques, such as a dental operating microscope
Operating microscope
An operating microscope is an optical microscope specifically designed to be used in a surgical setting, typically to perform microsurgery.Design features of an operating microscope are: magnification typically in the range from 4x-40x, components that are easy to sterilize or disinfect in order to...
, micro instruments, ultrasonic preparation tips and calcium-silicate based filling materials.
Removal of the root tip is indicated to remove the entire apical delta
Apical delta
Apical delta refers to the branching pattern of small accessory canals and minor foraminae seen at the tip or apex of some tooth roots.The pattern is said to be reminiscent of a river delta when sectioned and viewed using a microscope. Because the anatomy of this area is very small and complex with...
ensuring no uncleaned missed anatomy.
External links
- Apicoectomy procedure described (site sponsored by Aetna Dental Plans)
- Illustration of an apicoectomy
- Apical abscess from the On-Line Medical Dictionary
- American Association of Endodontists