Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)
Why would I need endodontic surgery?
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and endodontic surgery will be recommended. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an apicoectomy?
The video above illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
1. Infected Tissue
2. Tissue Removed
3. Suture Placed
4. Healing Complete
What should I expect after an apicoectomy?
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
Lake Area Endodontics
Patient Review
Dr. Parks finished my (complicated) root canal today. I’m super pleased with the results, the service, and everyone at the office. Special thanks to Kaitlyn for taking such good care of me throughout this process.
- Debbie S
Patient Review
Dr Parks is very skilled at what he does. He and his staff are knowledgeable and incredibly friendly! They all worked together to help make the whole process and procedure pain and stress free. I give them my highest recommendation!.
- Jeanine B
Patient Review
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Parks to anyone in the Lake area.
- Gayla T
Patient Review
Everyone was very nice and friendly I really appreciated that. Dr. Parks helped put my mind at ease with the advice he gave me. I will recommend him to my friends.
- Belinda F
Patient Review
Friendly staff and service!
- Kelly J
Patient Review
No more fear of root canals. Dr. Parks and his staff made me feel relaxed and confident in the procedure.
- Mary D.
Patient Review
Dr Parks made me feel very comfortable.
- Dianna M.
Patient Review
Great experience!
- Kaitlyn H
Patient Review
Very professional staff, make you at home. I was a brand new patient, got an appointment for the next day, checked out the tooth, did the procedure at that appointment. Was pain free for first time in a week. Highly recommend him. Can’t give him enough stars *****************************
- Robert N
Patient Review
Having a root canal would hardly be anyone's idea of fun or pleasant. This being said, Dr. Parks and his staff were amazing. His assistants (whose name I have forgotten, unfortunately) were informative and sweet. I have a bizarre sense of humor when I'm nervous. They went along with it without making me feel dumb. Dr. Parks joked with me was well. Beyond that, the procedure was nearly painless. I had been worried because he doesn't offer nitrious gas. To me, the worst part of dental procedures is the first numbing shots. Dr. Parks was amazing. It pinched but not so badly it hurt. Once he started, I had earbuds in. I did not have on my glasses, so I was not able to see my playlist. His assistant would tell me exactly which play list I had and then select it. When the procedure was done, my jaw was locked open. I have to admit this was frightening. Dr. Parks just popped it back in place. It sounds painful but it wasn't. To me, the most amazing part of that was he was calm. He just sat me up and popped it back in. I needed no pain medicine other than Tylenol. I wish he did all dental work. I'd go to him.
- Lin R
Patient Review
See above comments!
- Nina R
Patient Review
Dr. Parks and his staff are very professional and caring for their patients. They squeezed me in for appointment for the next day after I called knowing that I was in pain and needed to be seen right away. Before and during the procedure itself, Dr. Parks was very thorough in explaining what is going on, every step of the way. I absolutely have no complaints whatsoever. Best doctor and best dental provider in Southwest Louisiana!
- Maricelle B.
Patient Review
My consultation and root canal was handled very professionally and was done well.
- Rhonda Y.
Patient Review
Would recommend to family %& friends that need that kind of work needing to be done.
- Tommy L.
Patient Review
I felt very comfortable with the entire care. One of the assistance noticed that i was cold and gave me a blanket
- Shirley S.
Patient Review
I very pleased with Lake Area Endodontics.
- Kristen R.
Patient Review
Excellent experience! Could not ask for better. I will definitely recommend Dr. Parks and his staff to my family and friends.
- Lisa L.
Patient Review
very good
- Rany V.
Patient Review
Everyone was kind, courteous and professional. Each step was explained to me and what I would be feeling. How I would be feeling and what I would be feeling afterwards was also explained. I was very satisfied.
- Karen R.
Patient Review
Everything is five star!
- Ricky L.