Apicoectomy / Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Keep Your Smile Healthy & Complete
Protect Your Smile’s Future With Apicoectomy or Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
in Norfolk
Whether you're trying to save a tooth or get comfortable with new replacement teeth, targeted surgical care can make the next stage of your treatment far smoother. Our team offers apicoectomy and pre-prosthetic surgery in Norfolk for two very different goals.
An apicoectomy treats a tooth with lingering infection at the root tip, often after a root canal didn't fully succeed. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the root, it can spare you from an extraction.
Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares the mouth for dentures or implant teeth by smoothing uneven bone and trimming extra tissue. A well-shaped base helps your new teeth sit evenly and feel steady when you eat. Detailed imaging helps guide each step. Schedule a consultation to find out more about these procedures.
Learn How Root-End Surgery Can Save a Tooth
Root-end surgery can preserve a tooth when infection lingers near the root tip and a second root canal isn't a practical option. Signs of reinfection may include tenderness when biting or a small bump on the gum that keeps returning. Digital imaging helps confirm the source before treatment begins. Your surgeon will then remove the infected tissue and seal the root tip.
Replacement teeth fit best on a smooth, even base. Bony bumps called tori or sharp edges left after extractions can get in the way. Reshaping these areas gives dentures a stable foundation and helps implant teeth sit correctly.
Both procedures are usually completed in one visit with local anesthesia. Most people return to normal routines within a day or two, while full healing continues quietly over the following weeks.
Find out more about apicoectomy and pre-prosthetic surgery in Norfolk. Contact our team today for details.
Avoid Extraction
Treating infection at the root tip lets you keep a tooth that might otherwise need removal.
Protect Existing Crowns
Root-end surgery works through the gum, so crowns and posts on the tooth stay untouched.
Lower Long-Term Cost
Saving a natural tooth often costs less than removing it and placing an implant later.
More Stable Dentures
A smooth, even ridge keeps dentures from rocking, so chewing feels more natural and secure.
Better Implant Positioning
Reshaping bone before treatment helps implant teeth line up properly with your bite and gumline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apicoectomies and Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Q What are the signs I might need an apicoectomy?
Signs you might need an apicoectomy include ongoing tenderness or swelling near a tooth that already had a root canal. Some people notice a small bump on the gum that drains and returns. Others have no symptoms, and the problem shows up on X-rays as a dark spot near the root tip.
Q How long does an apicoectomy take?
An apicoectomy usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes. Front teeth are often quicker because their roots are easier to reach. Back teeth with multiple roots may take longer. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb, and most people go home shortly after the procedure is finished. Driving home is usually fine without sedation.
Q Can an apicoectomy be done on any tooth?
An apicoectomy can be done on most teeth, but some are easier to treat than others. Front teeth and premolars are usually simple to access. Back molars can be more challenging because of their location and multiple roots. Imaging helps determine whether the procedure is practical for a specific tooth.
Q Will I need stitches after an apicoectomy?
You will usually need a few stitches after an apicoectomy to close the small opening in the gum. Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others are removed at a follow-up visit about a week later. Avoid pulling on your lip to look at the area while it heals. This helps the tissue stay closed.
Q What can I eat after an apicoectomy?
After an apicoectomy, soft foods and cool drinks are best for the first few days. Yogurt and soup that has cooled are good options. Chew on the opposite side of the mouth. Avoid hard or very hot foods until tenderness fades. Most people return to normal eating within a week.
Q What happens if an apicoectomy doesn’t work?
If an apicoectomy doesn't work, the infection may return or the area may not heal properly. In some situations, a second procedure can be attempted. More often, the tooth is removed and replaced with a dental implant or bridge. Follow-up X-rays help confirm healing over the following months. Failure is uncommon with modern techniques.
Q What is alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is a procedure that smooths and reshapes the jawbone, usually after teeth are removed. Sharp edges and uneven areas can make dentures uncomfortable. Smoothing the bone creates an even ridge for a better fit. It is often done during the same visit as extractions to avoid a second surgery.
Q Does pre-prosthetic surgery hurt?
Pre-prosthetic surgery usually does not hurt during the procedure because local anesthesia numbs the area. Sedation may be available for longer treatments. Afterward, soreness and swelling are normal for several days. Ice packs and pain relievers help most people stay comfortable while the bone and gums heal. Soft foods also help during the first week.
