If the patient remain uncomfortable after the non-surgical root canal treatment or if the affected tooth is unable to receive non-surgical root canal treatment, the peri-apical surgery can be considered.

The Endodontic  micro-surgery could done with local anesthesia in outpatient clinic. After local anesthesia, the doctor will open flap of the gums and remove a little alveolar bone around the lesion. The infected tissue around the root apex was removed (sent for pathological reports), part of the infected root was resected, and the root canal was retrogradely filled and the soft tissue flap closure was done under the microscope.

The patient may feel pain and swelling after surgery, which can be relieved by taking medication or putting ice patch and thermal patch. There are other possible complications including bleeding around the surgical area, bruising on the face, postoperative infections, and numbness. Gingival recession and enlarged interdental space may also occur in the treated area. The incidence of the complications mentioned above will be reduced by following the doctor’s instructions.

Q&A

Q: Why should we do microscopic root canal treatments? What is the difference between microscopic and ordinary root canal therapy?

A: To improve the success rate of root canal therapies, retain tooth structures and reduce the risk.

Q: When will we need to consider microscopic root canal treatments?

A: Extensive root apex lesions, root canal retreatment, root canal calcification, open apical foramen, dissecting device treatment, perforation repair, multiple root canals, safe removal of intra-radicular posts, and for patients with high standard requirements.