At GentleCare Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, we specialize in saving natural teeth using the most advanced methods available. Sometimes, a regular root canal or retreatment isn’t enough to solve a dental problem. That’s when endodontic microsurgery becomes the best option. This highly precise treatment helps fix problems that can’t be reached or seen with traditional methods — all while keeping your natural tooth in place.
Dr. Priya Chand is a skilled endodontist with advanced training in microsurgical techniques. With the help of high-powered microscopes and tiny instruments, she can diagnose and treat complex issues at the tip of the tooth root or deep in the bone. Microsurgery is done with care, accuracy, and comfort, all in our modern Ellicott City office.
Apicoectomy Surgery
An apicoectomy is a type of endodontic microsurgery that treats infections or damage near the root tip — an area that may be hard to reach with a regular root canal. This procedure helps remove the problem while saving your natural tooth, relieving pain, and stopping the spread of infection. At GentleCare Endodontics, Dr. Chand performs apicoectomy surgery with skill, precision, and a gentle touch.
Why Would Someone Need an Apicoectomy?
A root canal is often enough to treat infection inside a tooth and save it. But sometimes, even after a root canal is completed and the tooth is sealed, problems may remain or return later. This can happen for several reasons:
- The end of the root was not completely cleaned during the root canal.
- Tiny branches of the root canal (called accessory canals) were missed.
- The tooth has an unusual shape or hidden areas that were hard to reach.
- A cyst or infection has developed around the tip of the root.
- A crack or fracture near the root has caused infection to spread.
If a tooth that has had a root canal still shows signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, or a bump on the gums, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This minor surgery removes the infected tissue and seals the root from the tip — giving your tooth a second chance to heal and remain strong.
What To Expect
Endodontic microsurgery is often used to treat infections or damage that didn’t fully heal after a root canal or retreatment. One of the most common types of microsurgery is called an apicoectomy, where the tip of the tooth’s root is removed and sealed.
Here’s what you can expect if you’re scheduled for microsurgery with Dr. Chand:
Step 1: Consultation and Imaging
We begin with a detailed consultation. Dr. Chand will review your symptoms and take advanced 3D scans or digital X-rays to get a clear view of your tooth, root structure, and surrounding bone. This helps her plan a precise treatment based on your specific needs.
Step 2: Comfort and Anesthesia
Before surgery begins, the area will be completely numbed using local anesthesia. If you feel nervous or anxious, we also offer sedation dentistry to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout the visit.
Step 3: Accessing the Root
Dr. Chand makes a very small opening in the gum near the tooth so she can reach the root. Using a surgical microscope and tiny tools, she removes any infected tissue and trims the very end of the tooth’s root.
Step 4: Sealing the Canal
Once the infection is cleared, the tip of the root canal is sealed with a special filling to prevent bacteria from entering again. Then, the gum is gently closed with stitches to help it heal properly.
Step 5: Healing and Follow-Up
Most patients go home shortly after the procedure and return to normal activities within a day or two. Mild swelling or soreness is common, but we’ll provide clear instructions and medication to help you stay comfortable as you heal. A follow-up appointment will ensure everything is healing as expected.
Endodontic microsurgery is a safe, effective solution when other treatments haven’t worked — and it can help you keep your natural tooth healthy for many more years.
When Is Microsurgery the Best Option?
Microsurgery is typically used when a previous root canal or retreatment hasn’t completely healed, or when a problem can’t be reached using regular tools.
You may be a candidate for endodontic microsurgery if:
- You’ve had a root canal but still have pain, swelling, or infection.
- A root canal retreatment didn’t solve the issue.
- Your tooth has a small fracture or crack near the root tip.
- There are hidden canals or unusual root shapes that couldn’t be treated before.
- Bone loss or infection is present around the end of the root.
- There is a cyst or other growth that needs to be removed near the tooth.
Dr. Chand uses special tools and microscopes that allow her to see deep into the root and surrounding bone. With this level of detail, she can treat problems that may have been missed with traditional methods.
Microsurgery gives patients an excellent chance of keeping a tooth that might otherwise need to be pulled.
FAQs About Endodontic Microsurgery
Is endodontic microsurgery painful?
No, the procedure itself is not painful. The area is fully numbed using local anesthesia. Many patients are surprised by how easy and comfortable the process is. Mild soreness afterward is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
How long does microsurgery take?
Most microsurgery procedures, like an apicoectomy, take between 60 and 90 minutes. The time may vary depending on the complexity of your case.
What is recovery like?
You may feel some swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising in the area for a few days. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. We provide easy-to-follow aftercare instructions to help you heal smoothly.
Is this the same as a root canal?
No, endodontic microsurgery is different. A root canal is done from the top of the tooth to clean out the pulp. Microsurgery is performed through the gum at the tip of the root, often when a root canal or retreatment didn’t solve the problem.
Will I need more treatment afterward?
In most cases, no further treatment is needed if the microsurgery is successful. The goal is to completely remove infection and seal the root so that the tooth can remain healthy.
Is endodontic microsurgery successful?
Yes, it is a highly successful procedure, especially when performed by a trained endodontist like Dr. Chand. Using magnification, advanced imaging, and precise techniques increases the success rate significantly.
Schedule Your Endodontic Microsurgery Consultation
If you’ve had a root canal in the past but your tooth still isn’t healing, endodontic microsurgery may be the solution. Dr. Priya Chand and the team at GentleCare Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, are here to help you save your natural tooth with precision care and a gentle touch.
We’re proud to offer advanced treatment options in a calm, supportive setting. Whether you’ve been referred by your general dentist or are seeking a second opinion, we welcome you to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Call our office today to make an appointment or use our online request form. We’re ready to help you get back to a healthy, pain-free smile.