Apicoectomy

Occasionally, a nonsurgical root canal procedure alone cannot save your tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate small fractures or hidden canals that weren't detected on x-rays or during previous treatment. Surgery may also be needed to remove calcium deposits in root canals, or to treat damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone of the tooth.

There are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common is called an apicoectomy, or root-end resection, which is occasionally needed when inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure. In this microsurgical procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. A small filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal and few stitches or sutures are placed to help the tissue heal. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root. Local anesthetics make the procedure comfortable, and most patients return to their normal activities the next day. Postsurgical discomfort is generally mild.

The best dentist visit I have ever had! Everybody was fabulous and made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I can't thank you all enough for everything that you have done for me and fixing my tooth!

Klickitat Patient

Dr. Chapman has the softest hands I have ever experienced. This along with his Dalai Lama-esque delivery had an extremely calming effect on me.

Hood River Patient

I will be pleased to provide a positive recommendation - you were all very professional and put me at ease (well, as much as I can be, given my dental anxiety :)).

North Bonneville Patient

Went the extra mile to squeeze me in on an emergency basis. All is well. Thanks!

Arlington Patient

A great experience overall. I was greeted by name by the front office staff. The assistant was very professional and courteous. Dr. Chapman was responsive in treating any discomfort I felt. When I left the insurance billing was explained to me and I was welcome to contact them with any questions. I received a follow-up phone call the next day to see how I was doing.

The Dalles Patient

This is the place to go - people are awesomely caring spirits - oh, the work Dr. Chapman did was superior too!!!

The Dalles Patient

One of the best dental/endodontic procedures I've ever experienced. I felt totally relaxed and as comfortable as a person undergoing dental work can be. Dr. Chapman and the entire staff were great. 10 out of 10 Rah-Rah points. Would highly recommend his service for anyone needing to have an endodontic procedure. Waterfront Endodontics rocks!

The Dalles Patient

Kudos to Dr and staff for fully explaining what was going to happen and for the follow-up. Very professional. The" what was going to happen" portion was accomplished so I would understand and the follow-up was an unexpected surprise. Taking time to call and make sure that everything was okay was very nice. Appreciate all that was done.

The Dalles Patient

Thanks for showing me the photos of the tooth, it helps to see the cause of my pain.

Oregon City Patient

Really nice doctor and staff. Very professional.

Hood River Patient

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