You may need endodontic surgery if non-surgical root canal treatment has not produced a successful result. After surgery, the bone typically heals naturally around the root over a period of many months restoring the tooth to full function. We may recommend surgery when:
- a tooth that previously had root canal therapy continues to cause persistent symptoms or infection that can’t be explained radiographically (x-ray).
- there is unusual root anatomy or calcified canals that obstructs access to the canals necessary in performing root canal treatment. Surgery allows the doctor to clean and seal the portion of the canal that was inaccessible.
- there is a damaged root surface or surrounding bone.
Signs and Symptoms
You may experience tooth pain when eating/chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, or tenderness/swelling in your face or gums near the area of the painful tooth.