Is a Root Canal Treatment a Surgical Procedure?

Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures and it's not something you should fear. Learn why you might need endodontic surgery and see a step-by-step explanation of apicectomy.

Is a Root Canal Treatment a Surgical Procedure?

Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures and it's not something you should fear. In fact, it's much more likely to relieve the pain that causes it. And it's not surgery, it's a regular procedure. A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure performed by an endodontist in an effort to save a natural tooth. It is one of the most common dental procedures performed mainly due to inflammation and infection of the dental pulp.

There are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common is called an apicectomy, or root end resection, which may be necessary when inflammation or infection persists in the bone area around the end of the tooth after a root canal procedure. Occasionally, a non-surgical root canal procedure alone cannot save the tooth and the endodontist will recommend surgery. When it comes to saving a tooth, endodontic surgery is often the last resort. It is used when a root canal treatment alone cannot save the tooth due to persistent inflammation or infection in the bone area around the end of the tooth.

The most common surgical procedure for this is called an apicectomy, or root end resection. The apicectomy procedure involves removing the infected tissue from around the end of the root and then sealing off the area with a filling material. This helps to prevent further infection and allows for healing of the surrounding tissue. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. In some cases, a crown may be needed after an apicectomy to protect the tooth from further damage. This is especially true if there has been extensive damage to the tooth due to decay or trauma. In the United States, endodontic surgery is typically performed by an endodontist, who is a dentist specializing in root canal treatments and other related procedures.

Endodontists are highly trained professionals who have completed additional training in this field. Although root canal treatment is reputed to be a complicated and painful procedure, in reality, it's little more than a deeper filling procedure. Endodontic surgery is only necessary when a root canal treatment alone cannot save the tooth due to persistent inflammation or infection in the bone area around the end of the tooth.