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 your endodontist will recommend surgery. 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 on the right 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.
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.
Issaquah Endodontics & Periodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Estrada, Desiree, the clinical assistant, and the office staff are all first class professionals. From the second I walked into the office, I was greeted by a friendly staff who truly seem to enjoy their jobs. Everyone is dressed in a professional manner, the place is meticulous, and the background music put me at ease. Dr. Estrada and Desiree were focused on saving my infected tooth and they accomplished their goal in a painless way for me. It is clear they are highly trained and experienced. I really appreciated the way Dr. Estrada briefly explained what he was doing and checked and rechecked to ensure his treatment was successful. I also appreciated the way he showed the highest level of respect for Desiree, his assistant, and even laughter existed. The culture, from a patient's perspective, is extraordinary. Thank you to the entire team!
- Joyce S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Susan Roberts was exceptional resolving a complicated root canal likely rescuing the tooth. Further, I don’t have sufficient words for her assistant Bayley comforting, confident and cheerful. Understanding a drill was being used, I couldn’t have felt more at ease in their care. Special people great at their job!
- Chris A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Their professionalism and kindness ease my fears and ended up pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended!!!
- Angela I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From the moment I entered their office I felt this would be a good experience. And it was even better than that! The staff was welcoming and efficient and Dr. Estrada was very kind and considerate. He explained the root canal procedure and made me feel very much at ease. I can truly say that it was the most pleasant dental procedure I have ever had and I will highly recommend Issaquah Endodontics and Dr. Estrada to anyone needing special care. Also, I appreciated the follow-up call the next day to see how I was doing. Awesome experience!
- Jo Anne H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am a retired who had practiced over 30 years and I must say that my experience with this office and especially Dr. Roberts who treated me was exceptional. Dr. Roberts and her assistant Kristen gave me a thorough emergency exam with state-of-the-art equipment, determined the cause of my tooth pain and the appropriate course of treatment. I can tell that Dr. Roberts has skillful hands and above all empathy (which was much appreciated by this old dentist LOL). I would definitely recommend this office.
- Les P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
What a pleasant experience. My root canal was addressed with precision and skill. Dr. Dan and staff made me feel comfortable and put my tensions to rest. Thank you
- Chris W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have learned to trust Dr. Estrada. He diagnosed an abscess that required surgery, which he helped schedule within two days. Months later, he diagnosed a sensitive tooth as not requiring treatment at that time. Dr. Estrada cares about his patients, taking the time to explain the options and readily answer every question. Plus, he has access to a large number of dental specialists, including surgeons and restoration experts, when they're required.
- Kathryn C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
While I do not wish nerve pain or a root canal on anyone, if you need one Issaquah Endodontics is the place to go! I woke up in agony and was able to be seen my dentist and referred for an appointment within 24 hours. Dr. Roberts took time to explain how my complex medical history may impact my care, explain my procedure and was incredibly compassionate when testing which tooth was the issue as it was causing me a lot of pain. I left the office pain-free and relaxed. Thank you for turning my whole day around!
- Melissa F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall excellent experience. Everyone on the staff was was friendly and welcoming; both on the phone and in person. Office staff was very accommodating and went the extra mile to speak directly to my dentist to coordinate a future procedure in their office with a specific dental appointment which required a particular time interval in between. Dr. Gabel is excellent and knowledgeable and has garnered the highest respect from the dental community, yet was extremely kind and compassionate as was the treatment room staff. Honestly, this is the gold standard for what every patient experience should be from the initial contact to followup communication after the visit. Many thanks to Dr. Gabel and the wonderful staff at Issaquah Endodontics!
- Gail P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve had a lot of dental work done by a lot of doctors These folks are the best Worth every penny
- Jasen B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As a patient that has dental anxiety, i was very nervous about the idea of having a root canal. Dr. Roberts was amazing. She gave me all my options and thoroughly explained how each option would affect me. She gave me patience and time to decide the route I wanted to take. I ended up having the root canal procedure and am very thankful for her explanations throughout the entire treatment. I am so thankful to have found this office. I hope not to be back, but if I need a root canal, I will be. Thank you Dr. Roberts!
- Hilary W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome team, super friendly and efficient!
- Alec P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The most incredible and welcoming staff, technicians and doctors. I came in with a throbbing tooth and miserable. When I left there was no more throbbing or pain. I want to thank you all for making me feel comfortable and I knew I was in the best hands. You all go above and beyond to make me as your patient feel like I am your top priority and did not leave any detail out. Issaquah Endodontics is amazing in every way!
- Susan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent patient care. I was referred to Dr. Gabel by my primary dentist for a possible endo procedure. Fortunately it was not necessary, however in order to determine the viability of the root it was necessary to drill, clean up and explore my tooth a bit. The procedure was painless and swift; significantly different from previous experiences. I highly recommend Issaquah Endodontics and would not hesitate to refer anyone needing endo care. Also, the support staff was efficient and super courteous.
- tracy d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
One of the best medical / dental experiences in my life. Everything about this experience from scheduling, to filling out paperwork, to setup, to actual root canal procedure, to check-out was first rate. Everyone was friendly and concerned about making the procedure "painless". This morning I rinsed after brushing my teeth without the searing pain from cold sensitivity for the first time in 4 days.
- Thomas H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have always had traumatic experiences getting work done. Could never get numb and for those reasons avoided going to get work done which created a high anxiety avoidance over dentistry. Went in for a root canal thinking I’d be traumatized yet again, but can say this was my first pain free dental experience ever! And I have had a lot of work done and seem many dentists since a child. Dr Gabel and his assistant were game changers. I think I can finally get back on track to good oral health. Seriously thank you!
- Jason B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was definitely the most comfortable I have been while having a root canal!! I darn near fell asleep, I was so relaxed. 🙂 Painless and quick, (single canal on a canine tooth) Dr. Bachman and his wonderful assistant, Yen, made sure I was comfortable during the procedure. Yen also took care of me before and after the procedure, offering bottled water and reading material while I waited for the Novacaine to take effect, and making sure I understood the aftercare plan. All the staff here are kind and professional, and care about their patients. They even called me the next day to check on me and make sure I was not having any trouble with my newly treated tooth. I recommend Issaquah Endodontics to anyone who needs a root canal, and will use them in the future if need be. Thanks, Issaquah Endodontics!
- DeAnna R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Explanations so clear and excellent professional care!
- Nancy L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very fast and friendly
- Adam D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very painless, and Dr Bachman has a great chair side manner.
- Jeffrey W