Expert Endodontic Care Across Chicagoland

Periapical Surgery at Cameo Dental Specialists

Root canal therapy is a widely performed and often highly effective treatment. However, in some cases, infection can persist even after a root canal has been completed. When this happens, periapical surgery (also known as an apicoectomy) may be necessary to fully resolve the infection and save the tooth. At Cameo Dental Specialists, our expert team offers advanced periapical surgery to patients in Elmhurst, West Loop, La Grange, Berwyn, and River Forest, using modern techniques to ensure the most precise and comfortable care possible.

What Is Periapical Surgery?

Periapical surgery is a microsurgical procedure designed to eliminate infection from the small, branching canals near the root tip, called periapical tissues, that may not be accessible during standard root canal therapy. While the main canal is cleaned during a traditional root canal, bacteria can sometimes remain hidden in these small offshoots. If pain or swelling persists after a root canal, a deeper infection may be the cause.

An Elmhurst endodontist at Cameo Dental Specialists will assess your condition and determine whether periapical surgery is necessary. This procedure is generally reserved for cases where other treatments have failed and the infection is located deep in the root structure.

When Is Periapical Surgery Needed?

• Persistent pain or swelling after a root canal
• Infection that does not respond to retreatment
• Detection of cysts or abscesses near the root tip
• Damage to the root tip or surrounding bone
• Hidden canal branches not previously treated

If you have undergone root canal therapy and continue to experience discomfort, periapical surgery may be the most effective way to save your natural tooth.

The Periapical Surgery Procedure

At Cameo Dental Specialists, we prioritize patient comfort and successful outcomes. The procedure typically follows these steps:

1. Local Anesthesia and Sedation Options: We begin by thoroughly numbing the area with a local anesthetic. For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures, conscious sedation may also be offered to enhance comfort. We will discuss your options with you in advance to ensure you are completely at ease.
2. Accessing the Infection: Unlike a traditional root canal, which accesses the tooth through the crown, periapical surgery approaches the root tip through the gums. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and root end.
3. Removing the Infected Tissue: The infected tissue, including the very tip of the root if necessary, is removed. In some cases, a small cyst or abscess may be excised as well. If needed, the removed tissue may be sent to a pathology lab for further analysis.
4. Sealing the Root End: The end of the root is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a small filling to prevent future infection.
5. Suturing and Healing: The surgical site is sutured closed, and the healing process begins. Most patients can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check on healing and remove sutures as needed.

Recovery and Results

Recovery after periapical surgery is usually smooth, with most patients returning to normal activity within a few days. Mild swelling and discomfort are common, but easily manageable. Our team will provide post-operative instructions to help you heal quickly and comfortably.

A few weeks after the procedure, your Elmhurst endodontist will examine the area to ensure the infection has been resolved. In most cases, the tooth heals completely and remains healthy for many years.

In rare instances, if the root is fractured or the damage is too extensive, the tooth may not be savable. In such cases, we will review restorative options with you, including dental implants, bridges, or dentures, based on your specific needs.

Why Choose Cameo Dental Specialists for Periapical Surgery?

Cameo Dental Specialists is home to a team of highly trained endodontists and surgical specialists with years of experience in advanced root canal treatments, including periapical surgery. Patients from Elmhurst, West Loop, La Grange, Berwyn, and River Forest choose us for our precision, professionalism, and commitment to compassionate care.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain after a root canal or have been told you may need an apicoectomy, our team is here to help. With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-first approach, we deliver expert endodontic care designed for long-term success.

Take the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free, Healthy Smile

Don’t live with dental discomfort, especially after a root canal. You may have an untreated infection in a canal branch that requires expert attention. Contact the office closest to you in Elmhurst, West Loop, La Grange, Berwyn, or River Forest to schedule an evaluation. Our staff is happy to assist you with appointment scheduling, insurance questions, and treatment planning.

Restore your comfort and protect your oral health with the advanced care of Cameo Dental Specialists — the endodontist La Grange patients trust and the preferred specialists for periapical surgery across the Chicagoland area.