Root Canal Retreatment vs. Apicoectomy: What’s the Difference?

A root canal is meant to save your tooth and end the pain, so it’s frustrating when problems come back months or even years later. You might notice tooth pain when you chew or bite down. Swollen gums or a small bump near the treated tooth can also mean an infection has returned. 

In many cases, you can still keep the tooth. The two most common options are retreatment and an apicoectomy. Retreatment redoes the root canal through the top of the tooth, while an apicoectomy is a minor surgery that treats the infection at the tip of the root. 

At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama in Auburn, AL, our team helps patients choose the right treatment to keep their natural teeth. Call today to schedule a consultation. 

How root canal retreatment works 

Root canal retreatment is usually the first option when a treated tooth becomes infected again. A root canal can fail for several reasons, such as a narrow or curved canal that was hard to find the first time, a crown that was placed too late, or new decay that lets bacteria back into the tooth. 

During treatment, the endodontist reopens the tooth through the crown or filling, removes the old filling material, and cleans the canals. Using magnification, they check for extra canals or cracks before refilling and sealing the tooth. You’ll then see your general dentist for a new crown or filling to protect it. Mild tooth sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. 

When an apicoectomy procedure is the better choice 

Sometimes the problem can’t be reached from the top of the tooth. A canal may be blocked or too narrow, or the tooth may have a large crown that would be risky to remove. An apicoectomy may also be recommended when infection lingers after retreatment. 

During an apicoectomy procedure in Auburn, local anesthesia numbs the area, and a small opening is made in the gum near the root. The infected tissue and the very tip of the root are removed, and a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root. A few stitches help the gum heal. 

Recovery takes a little longer than with retreatment. Swollen gums and soreness are common and usually fade within about two weeks. Some tooth sensitivity is also normal while the area heals. Stitches are typically removed at a follow-up visit about a week later. 

What to expect at your consultation 

At your visit, we’ll find out why the tooth is still causing problems and which treatment makes the most sense. Your visit usually includes:  

• Symptom review: We’ll ask about your tooth pain, when it started, and what makes it worse. 
• Exam: The tooth and nearby gums are checked for tenderness, swollen gums, or signs of infection. 
• X-rays: Images help show the shape of the roots and whether infection is present near the tip. 
• Treatment plan: Once we know the cause, we’ll walk you through your options and what recovery will look like. 

Be sure to mention any tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, even if it seems minor. Our team can explain each step clearly before any treatment begins. 

Save your natural tooth 

You don’t have to live with tooth pain after a root canal. Whether you need root canal retreatment or minor surgery, our goal is to save your natural tooth whenever possible. At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama in Auburn, AL, our team can examine the tooth and help you decide if an apicoectomy procedure is right for you. Call today to schedule a consultation and protect your smile.