What Is The Difference Between A Root Canal & Apical Surgery?

Endodontic procedures include some that are surgical and some that are non-surgical. The type of procedure you need will depend on your individual case and the best course of treatment for saving your tooth. Root canals and apical surgery are both endodontic procedures that restore the health of an infected tooth, but they are very different. Here’s an overview of each to provide some insight. 

What is a Root Canal? 

A root canal is a non-surgical procedure that removes the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of a tooth, and replaces it with composite material. A small hole is made in the crown of the tooth that is used to access the root canal to remove the pulp. This removes any infected tissue as well as remaining tissue that could be at risk of infection. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before it is filled to ensure that there is no remaining bacteria inside the tooth. A dental crown is placed over the tooth to complete the procedure. 

What is Apical Surgery? 

An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed on the root of an infected tooth. This requires entry into the gum tissue to access the root. A small incision is made in the gums, the tip of the tooth root is removed, and any infected tissue in or around the tooth is removed. A filling is placed over the tip of the root to seal it and prevent further infection. The gum tissue is closed with sutures. 

Similarities Between Root Canals and Apical Surgery

There are a few similarities between these two procedures: 

• Used to treat infection. Both root canals and apical surgery are treatments for infection in or around a tooth. 
• Restores the health of the tooth. The goal of both procedures is to restore the health of the tooth from the inside where the dental pulp resides. 
• Focuses on the root of the tooth. Both procedures are performed on the root portion of a tooth. 

Differences Between Root Canals and Apical Surgery

Root canals differ from apical surgery in a variety of ways: 

• Invasiveness. Apical surgery is more invasive because it requires cutting of the gum tissue to access the root externally. 
• Crown placement. Root canals almost always require the placement of a crown over the tooth afterwards, but this may not be necessary after apical surgery. 
• Recovery. The recovery period after apical surgery may be longer than after a root canal due to the invasiveness of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals and Apical Surgery

Do either root canals or apical surgery require sedation? 

Both root canals and apical surgery can be performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. However, if you are feeling anxious, sedation can be provided to help you relax. 

Are root canals and apical surgery covered by insurance? 

Most dental insurance plans consider both root canals and apical surgery to be medically necessary, and therefore they are typically covered. For more specific information about your coverage, contact your provider or refer to your benefits guide.

Who Performs These Procedures? 

Another difference between root canals and apical surgery is who typically performs them. General dentists often provide root canals as well as endodontists. However, apical surgery is typically performed by an endodontist who specializes in these procedures. Elite Endodontics of NH provides both root canals and apical surgery, as well as other endodontic services. After an evaluation, we can provide a recommendation for the best procedure to treat your tooth. 

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.