Temple Location

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254-778-4400

2703 Trade Place
Temple, TX 76504
Practice Logo

254-778-4400

2703 Trade Place
Temple, TX 76504

Apical Surgery in Temple & Waco, TX

Heart of Texas Endodontics provides endodontic or apical surgery in Temple, TX. Call 254-778-4400 to learn more about endodontic surgery and schedule an appointment.

Endodontic Surgery

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the infected tooth root tips, damaged root surfaces, or apex and the nearby pulp tissue. This surgical procedure is known as an apical surgery or an apicoectomy is performed to save damaged teeth. During this endodontic surgery, the area around the apex of the tooth that is infected is cleaned, with a root end resection that is sealed. Sutures are placed and an ice pack is applied. Pain medication is prescribed to help alleviate any pain or discomfort following the endodontic treatment, and it is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients will have some minor swelling and occasional bruising with some numbness.

Apical surgery is typically recommended when a tooth becomes infected or does not heal properly following a root canal procedure, and when endodontic retreatment alone is not sufficient to resolve the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apical Surgery

A root canal procedure treats infection by removing the pulp tissue inside the tooth's canals, cleaning them, and sealing the tooth from within. Apical surgery, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that approaches the problem from the outside — through the gum and bone — to remove the root's tip and any remaining infected tissue when a root canal treatment alone has not been sufficient to resolve the problem. While a single root canal is often enough to save a tooth, apical surgery provides an additional level of treatment for cases where infection persists or the tooth is not healing properly after an initial endodontic procedure.
You may need apical surgery if you have already undergone root canal therapy but continue to experience tooth pain, pressure sensitivity, or signs of infection such as swelling in the gum or bone around the treated tooth. Your endodontist will take x-rays and perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether endodontic retreatment or apical surgery is the most appropriate next step.
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthetic, so patients generally feel little to no pain during the surgery. Some discomfort, swelling, and pressure sensitivity are normal in the days following the procedure, and pain medication will be prescribed to help manage any post-operative discomfort. Most patients find that their recovery is manageable and that any pain is quickly resolved within a few days. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure your healing process goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing to delay or avoid apical surgery when it is recommended can allow infection to spread further into the surrounding gum and bone, potentially leading to more serious complications. In some cases, an untreated infection can cause significant damage to the tooth structure and surrounding tissues, ultimately making extraction the only remaining option. Preserving your natural teeth is always our primary goal, and prompt medical evaluation and treatment give the tooth the best possible chance of long-term survival.
Most patients recover from apical surgery within a few days to a week, though complete healing of the gum and bone can take several months. During the initial recovery period, it is important to rest, avoid chewing on the treated side, and follow all post-operative care instructions provided by our endodontist. Occasionally, patients may experience some minor swelling or numbness that resolves on its own as the tissue heals. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure that the tooth is recovering properly.

Call us to learn more about endodontic procedures at 254-778-4400 to schedule an appointment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Temple Location

2703 Trade Place Temple, TX 76504

Waco Location

6400 Cobbs Drive, #200 Waco, TX 76710
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2703 Trade Place Temple, TX 76504
254-778-4400
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