Surgical Endodontics in St. Louis, MO

When infection or damage extends beyond what can be treated with conventional root canal therapy, surgical endodontics can help save your natural tooth. At Archway Endodontics, we provide advanced surgical care using precise techniques and modern technology to restore oral health and relieve discomfort. Call (314) 916-5757 or contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation. 

What Is Surgical Endodontics?

Surgical endodontics includes specialized procedures performed when non-surgical treatment alone is not enough to resolve infection or preserve a tooth. These procedures allow an endodontist to access the root tip and surrounding tissues directly to remove infection, repair damage, and promote healing. Surgical treatment is often recommended when a tooth has persistent symptoms after a root canal or when certain conditions cannot be treated from inside the tooth. Our goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever it can be predictably saved.

Benefits of Surgical Endodontics

• Preserves Natural Teeth: Surgical treatment can often save teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
• Eliminates Persistent Infection: Removes infection that remains after previous treatment, helping protect your long-term oral health.
• Relieves Pain: Addresses inflammation and infection at the source to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
• Supports Lasting Results: Advanced surgical techniques help improve the long-term success of endodontic treatment.

Why Choose Archway Endodontics?

Specialized Expertise: Dr. Brian Judd has advanced specialty training in endodontics and carefully evaluates every case to determine the most conservative and predictable treatment option.

Advanced Technology: Our practice uses modern diagnostic imaging and magnification technology to accurately diagnose conditions and perform surgical procedures with exceptional precision.

Patient-Centered Care: We take the time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and expected recovery so you can move forward with confidence. 

Call (314) 916-5757 or contact Archway Endodontics today to schedule your consultation.

Procedures Offered

• Apicoectomy (Endodontic Surgery): Also known as root canal surgery, an apicoectomy removes infected tissue and the tip of the tooth's root when infection persists after a root canal. The end of the root is sealed to help prevent future infection and preserve the natural tooth.
• Incision and Drainage: In some cases, infection will spread through the bone, to the gum tissue, resulting in swelling. Often, making a small incision in the gums to allow the infection to drain is the quickest way to experience pain relief, and can accelerate healing.
• Root Resorption Repair: Root resorption occurs when the body's cells begin breaking down part of a tooth's root structure. Early diagnosis and treatment can often stop the progression of the condition and improve the chances of preserving the natural tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Endodontics

When is surgical endodontics necessary?

Surgical endodontics is typically recommended when infection or inflammation remains after a root canal or when a problem cannot be accessed through conventional treatment. A comprehensive evaluation will determine whether surgery is the best option.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth's root along with infected tissue. The root is then sealed to help prevent future infection and preserve the tooth.

Is endodontic surgery painful?

Most patients are pain-free during the procedure because the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. Mild soreness afterward is common and is usually well-managed with medication and home care instructions.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to their normal routine within a day or two. Mild swelling or tenderness typically improves over the following several days as the area heals.

Can surgical endodontics save a tooth that has already had a root canal?

Yes. Surgical treatment is often used to save teeth that continue to have symptoms or develop new infection after a previous root canal procedure.

Will I need a tooth extraction instead?

Not necessarily. Whenever possible, our first priority is preserving your natural tooth. If surgery offers a predictable long-term solution, it is often recommended instead of extraction.

Call Archway Endodontics

If you have been told you may need endodontic surgery or continue to experience symptoms after a root canal, Archway Endodontics is here to help. Call (314) 916-5757 or contact our St. Louis office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether surgical endodontic treatment is right for you.