Surgical vs Non-Surgical Root Canal Procedures

If you need a root canal, you have a couple of different options. Most of the time, a root canal is a non-surgical procedure. A regular root canal is more or less a very deep filling. A root canal and a filling both start with drilling into the tooth. Then, the dentist or endodontist cleans the tooth and fills the hole. The difference between a filling and a root canal is that during a non-surgical root canal, the provider drills farther than they would during a filling. That way, they have access to the root canal itself (the area inside the tooth where the nerves are located). The root canal is cleaned and filled, saving the tooth. Anesthetic is generally used in both cases to ensure the patient’s comfort.

However, in some cases, the infection might persist. In these cases, a surgical root canal procedure may be indicated. This surgery is also known as an apicoectomy or apical surgery. During this procedure, the endodontist makes an incision in the gum to access the root canal from the side and remove any infected tissue safely. Because tooth pain generally prompts patients to see their dentists or endodontists as soon as possible, most root canal procedures do not require this surgical procedure. If yours does, however, don’t worry – apicoectomy is safe and minor, and recovery is usually quick.

Here are a few of the pros and cons of each type of procedure and how to know what you need:

Non-surgical root canal

As mentioned, the majority of root canal procedures are non-surgical. This option is the best whenever possible, as it is always preferable to avoid surgery if you can. Some of the pros and cons of this procedure include:

Pro: You’ll preserve your natural tooth. Anytime you can save a natural tooth, that’s the goal. Your teeth function better than substitutions, such as dentures or implants.
Con: There are no guarantees. While most root canals are successful, there is no 100 percent guarantee that the tooth will be completely clean and repaired.
Pro: You’ll avoid surgery. Having a root canal as soon as possible is likely to prevent you from needing a surgical procedure, which will naturally be riskier and more painful.
Con: Your tooth will technically need extra protection in most cases like a crown to protect from fracture.

Surgical root canal

While surgery is always a last resort, an apicoectomy is an effective way to address tooth infection if not surgical not addressing the problem. Here are a few of the pros and cons of surgical root canal treatment.

Pro: Extra step to address infection that resists regular non-surgical treatment.
Con: Chance of swelling, pain, and infection is possible. Some surgeries involve gum recession( root exposure). an apicoectomy is relatively short and uncomplicated, it is still a little more involved than a regular root canal because the incision needs to heal.

Ultimately, which procedure is right for you will depend on your specific situation, how advanced your infection is, and other factors. Contact The Endo house today, and he will discuss these factors with you and help you determine which path to take for the best chances of complete healing and the ability to save your natural tooth.

A Testimonial from Jeffery, a patient of The Endo House Huntington Beach

This was the best dental treatment I’ve ever received. The office was sparkling clean and had a comfortable atmosphere. Everyone was extremely professional and courteous.
I received a root canal and a filling in a precise and efficient manner and have not had pain since.
You care about your mouth, right? Then you are making the best choice in choosing The Endo House.

Thank you Dr. Noureldin and team!