Sometimes even after endodontic treatment (a root canal) has been performed on a tooth, some infection may remain at the end of the root.
Symptoms of an infection at include throbbing tooth pain, sensitivity to heat, and sensitivity when chewing, and can escalate to fever, swollen lymph nodes and sinus pain. If left untreated, it may result in loss of the tooth and spreading of the infection throughout your body.
During an apicoectomy, your doctor accesses the infection by creating a small opening above the tooth.
The infected tissue is removed, and the tip of the root is reduced to remove any additional infection.
Next, the opening is cleaned and filled, and the area is closed and left to heal. Healing for an apicoectomy depends on the severity of the infection, and can range from months to a year.
With the infection removed and the root re-sealed, the tooth has been saved and returned to a healthy state.

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The process of tooth decay starts with plaque and bacteria building up on the tooth structure, creating acid.
This acid begins to erode the hard protective coating on the tooth, also known as the enamel.
Once the acid breaks through the outside layer of the enamel, the decay spreads faster due to the softer nature of the underlying layer, called the dentin.
If the decay is allowed to expand through the dentin it can penetrate the interior of the root, requiring additional procedures to remove the infected tissue.
A range of external damage can result from this decay as well, such as cracking or fractures, and can result in losing the tooth entirely.
It is important to detect and address issues of tooth decay early in the process to prevent these consequences. Regular visits to your dentist, good oral hygiene, and a proactive attitude towards your dental health will help minimize this risk.

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A root canal is needed when the nerve of a tooth has become damaged by injury or infected by decay. In situations where the crown of the tooth is heavily damaged or decayed, this may include rebuilding the tooth with a post and a crown to restore it to optimal appearance and function.
For the first step of this procedure, your doctor numbs the area around your tooth, removes any decayed tooth material, and creates a channel to access the root’s interior.
Your doctor will then remove the infected nerve tissue from the root, and flush and clean the area.
Next, the root is filled with a special sealing material, and a supporting post or posts are placed inside the tooth.
The tooth interior is then built up with composite, which is bonded and hardened using a special curing light.
With the tooth built up and cured, your doctor will finish preparing the tooth for the crown.
An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is put in place while the final version is being crafted.
At a subsequent appointment, your doctor will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the final restoration.
Once completed, your tooth is now restored to optimal shape and function.

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An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, the abscess can possibly spread to other areas, causing severe consequences to your overall health.
The infection usually originates from the inner pulp of the tooth, and can be caused by tooth decay and dental trauma. As the infection spreads, your body forms a sac around it to attempt to contain it, which creates pressure and painful sensations.
Signs and symptoms that you have an abscess can include a consistent throbbing toothache, fever, swelling of the face, gums, or jaw, foul smelling breath, and pain when chewing. You may also experience a foul taste in your mouth if the abscess is draining pus.
An abscess will not heal on its own and if left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw bone and other parts of the head and neck. If allowed to expand, it can also weaken the jaw as it begins to resorb and replace bony tissue.
Abscesses are very serious so it is critical to work closely with your doctor to treat it as early as possible to minimize the potential for harm.

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A dental cyst is a closed sac that can be made up of air, soft tissue, or fluid that forms next to or around teeth. If left untreated, dental cysts can cause severe problems for your oral health.
This type of cyst can form on any tooth, and is most often found at the crown of the tooth or at the tip of the root. The formation of dental cysts can have many potential causes- including infection, trauma, or the improper development of a tooth.
When a cyst initially forms it is usually small with potentially no infection present, often causing no pain. It may be detected by visual examination, soft tissue examination, or on dental x-rays.
As the cyst expands, it can weaken the jawbone, and press against the neighboring teeth, affecting their normal function.
Additionally, if left untreated it can become infected and develop into an abscess, or pocket of pus, which can spread the bacterial infection throughout the body.
It is important to work with your doctor to treat a dental cyst as early as possible to prevent any potential long-term affects to your oral health.

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A root fracture is defined by a tooth cracking beneath the gumline and across the root- completely separating the tooth and the root pulp within.
This often occurs as the result of trauma or impact to the face and mouth.
Depending on the location of the fracture along the tooth, it may become visually displaced and/or mobile, alerting you that it has been damaged.
However, in some cases, the tooth may remain fixed in place with little or no mobility, and will require your doctor to take x-rays of the area to diagnose the extent of the injury.
It is important to seek treatment for a fractured root immediately to increase the likelihood that your doctor can preserve the tooth. Treatment varies depending on the nature and location of the injury- your doctor will discuss options with you that provide the best possible outcome.

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A dental tumor is a mass of tissue that typically originates under soft tissue in the jaw and can either be benign or malignant in nature. These growths should be taken very seriously, and you should contact your doctor at the first detection of one.
A dental tumor may be detected by visual examination, soft tissue examination, or noticed in dental x-rays and clinically diagnosed due to the effects of its growth.
Benign tumors are typically slower-growing in size- they place pressure on surrounding structures of the mouth but rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant tumors are more likely to cause pain and spread to other areas of the body due to abnormal and accelerated cell growth.
Common symptoms caused by these tumors include jaw pain, lumps on the jaw, swelling on the inside or outside of the mouth and face, and unexplained tooth mobility. They can also weaken the jaw as they begin to resorb and replace bony tissue.
Dental tumors can be detrimental to both your oral and overall health, so it is critical to work with your doctor to treat it as early as possible to minimize the potential for harm.

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