Apical surgery is an endodontic procedure that can sometimes save a tooth when a root canal is not effective. It is considered surgical because it requires access to the tooth under the gum tissue. 

If you have an upcoming endodontic surgery, you may be wondering how long it will take. Here’s what you can expect from apical dental surgery. 

What is Apical Surgery? 

Apical surgery, sometimes called an apicoectomy, is a procedure that is performed on the root of a tooth. It involves removal of the tip or end of the tooth root, called the apex. and all of the infected tissue around it. Then a  filling is placed in the apex of the root to seal it  and prevent infection from entering the tooth through the root. The gum tissue will be replaced over the tooth root and sutured. 

Average Length of Apical Surgery

Apical surgery can take anywhere from about 60 to 90 minutes. The exact length of surgery is impossible to predict, because treatment may vary based on what the endodontist finds after raising the gum tissue. A simple procedure could take 40 minutes and a more complex surgery could take an hour to 90 minutes. Rarely will apical surgery take longer than 90 minutes unless there are specific complications. 

Factors That Affect the Length of Apical Surgery

There are a few factors that may have an effect on how long apical surgery takes: 

• Anesthesia. In most cases apical surgery can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area. However, if additional sedation is required, your procedure could take longer. 
• Size of the tooth. A small tooth with a single root apex will result in a shorter apicoectomy than a large molar with multiple root tips that may need to be treated. 
• Complexity. The greater the damage to the tooth, root, gum tissue, and jaw, the longer the procedure may take to remove and repair all of the damage. 
• Experience. The more experience your endodontist has with apical surgery, the shorter your procedure will take. 
• Technology. The use of dental technology can accelerate the procedure so that you spend less time in the dental chair and experience faster recovery. 

Is Apical Surgery Worth the Time? 

Apical surgery is a procedure that may be able to save a tooth and allow it to remain in function . When a root canal is not effective, apical surgery may still be able to save the tooth. Without apical surgery, your tooth may need to be extracted and replaced. The process of replacing a tooth can take longer, may be more invasive, and will cost more. Keeping your natural tooth in place is better for function and appearance. 

Who Performs Apical Surgery? 

Apical surgery is typically performed by a dental specialist called an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in treating teeth that are infected or at risk of infection. An endodontist has the necessary training and equipment to perform apical surgery with the greatest chance of success. To become an endodontist, an additional 2 years training is required.

Why Choose Forest Lake Endodontics? 

The doctors and dental team at Forest Lake Endodontics specialize in the treatment of at-risk teeth. Our highly qualified endodontists have performed numerous successful endodontic surgeries that have resulted in restored teeth and better overall dental health for our patients. 

To learn more, call 651-464-9888  or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Anesthesia is used to make dental and endodontic procedures more comfortable for patients. Also referred to as sedation dentistry, the use of anesthesia for dental care is a common practice. There are different types of anesthesia that are used for different purposes, and each has its own unique effect. 

To ensure the safety and comfort of our patients, we have partnered with Mill City Anesthesia, a team of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) that can administer IV conscious anesthesia while carefully monitoring patients. Highly qualified, experienced CRNAs will accompany patients throughout endodontic procedures from start to finish. 

Types of Anesthesia We Offer 

We provide the following types of anesthesia for endodontic procedures:

• Local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is administered directly at the site of the procedure to numb the nerves and prevent patients from feeling any pain. It typically takes a few minutes to take effect and will wear off about an hour or two after the procedure. 
• Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask worn over the nose. It provides a calm feeling that can help patients relax during dental procedures. It takes effect in just seconds and wears off just as quickly. 
• Oral sedation. An oral sedative is a pill or liquid that is taken before a procedure to help patients feel relaxed and calm, reducing anxiety. It may take up to an hour to take effect and a few hours to wear off. A driver is required to drive the patient home.
• IV sedation. IV sedation is administered intravenously and offers varying levels of sedation depending on the type of medication and dosage. This is where CRNAs are particularly beneficial, as they administer IV sedation and monitor the patient before, during, and after the procedure - while the endodontist renders clinical care.

Is Anesthesia Safe? 

It is common to have concerns about anesthesia, but medical advancements have made it safer than ever before. The Institute of Medicine, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, all agree that over the last 30 years anesthesia care has seen significant improvements, making it 50 times safer than it used to be. Dental IV sedation maintains consciousness, making it even safer than general anesthesia.

To ensure safety, each patient will meet with a CRNA in advance to establish a thorough medical history, go over current medications, and answer any questions you may have about your upcoming procedure. 

What is a CRNA?

CRNA stands for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. CRNAs specialize in anesthesiology and pain management. They are highly qualified specialists that complete the following education and training requirements: 

• Master’s degree in nurse anesthesia and successful completion of the National Board Exam for Nurse Anesthetists     
• 10,000+ hours of pediatric CRNA practice at the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis    
• Certified in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support

The doctors and dental team at Forest Lake Endodontics work closely with our CRNAs from Mill City Anesthesia to provide an advanced level of comfort and care that improves the patient experience. 

How Are Patients Monitored While Under Anesthesia? 

We monitor the following vitals throughout the procedure:

• Heart rate and rhythm
• Pulse oximetry
• End-tidal capnography
• Blood pressure

For children we use a Bluetooth precordial stethoscope in order to keep constant audio of the heart rhythm that we can hear from anywhere in the room. Patients are never left alone or unmonitored for even a fraction of a second. We are trained and ready to intervene if there is any need for emergency action. 

What Follow Up Care Is Needed?

After the procedure patients will be given time to recover as the anesthesia wears off and you begin to feel normal. Most patients are ready to go home about 30 minutes after the procedure. Follow up instructions will be given to parents or caregivers for you to refer to once you are home. Your CRNA will typically call later in the day to check in and see how the patient is feeling and recovering. It is best to take it easy for the rest of the day following IV sedation. The patient will likely feel sleepy and napping off and on for the remainder of the day is common. Any discomfort can typically be managed with over the counter pain medication, but a prescription may be offered in certain cases. 

Why Choose Forest Lake Endodontics?

The purpose of endodontics is to treat teeth from the inside out. Endodontic procedures can often save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Forest Lake Endodontics provides a wide range of endodontic procedures with varying levels of invasiveness. Our partnership with Mill City Anesthesia allows us to offer safe and effective sedation that will help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. 

To learn more, call 651-464-9888 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Forest Lake Endodontics is proud to introduce you to our new website! The site has been recently upgraded to reflect our commitment to modern services, state-of-the-art technologies and safe, comfortable techniques.

About Us

At Forest Lake Endodontics, we provide comprehensive endodontic treatment to patients who are experiencing dental pain and infection. Our commitment is to deliver the highest level of treatment and along with the best experience for our patients, and our skilled specialists achieve this through the use of some of the greatest dental technology available.

A top Google-reviewed practice, we provide root canal therapy, apicoectomy (apical surgery), bone grafting, endodontic surgery and endodontic retreatment. 

We are conveniently located in Forest Lake, MN, and we serve patients from the surrounding areas, including Wyoming, Chisago City, Lindstrom, North Branch, Rush City, Cambridge, Lino Lakes, Hugo and White Bear Lake. As your neighbor, our doors are open to you.

New Safety Features and Technologies

In addition to our new website, Forest Lake Endodontics has invested in several new safety features and technologies to make endodontic treatment safer, faster, and more comfortable for patients of all ages.

The upgrades include the addition of an IQAir HealthPro Plus HyperHEPA air filter to protect patients from airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Considered a "best buy" by Consumer Reports, the IQAir HealthPro Plus HyperHEPA air filter is proven to filter 99.5% of particles, down to .0003 microns, which is much smaller than common and novel respiratory viruses.  

At Forest Lake Endodontics, our team has made significant investments to promote patient safety and comfort during endodontic treatment. We also use 3D scanning technology known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). CBCT scanning provides the most accurate and detailed 3D scans available, but with the additional advantage of exposing patients to far less radiation than other scanning technologies. 

We also employ the GentleWave System, a state-of-the-art alternative to traditional root canal treatments. The GentleWave System delivers sound waves within the canals of the teeth, effectively and painlessly cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth in just moments. The soundwave technology coupled with constant irrigation also allows for the conservation of more of the natural tooth structure. 

For patients who are particularly nervous, anxious, or fearful of endodontic treatments, we provide safe sedation options, including nitrous oxide, and oral sedation medications that can be taken before appointments to help create the most comfortable procedure possible.

At Forest Lake Endodontics, the safety and comfort of our patients have always been our priority. We are committed to enhancing the patient experience for all who come to us for endodontic treatment. You can feel confident that you will be in a safe, comfortable environment while we complete treatment as quickly and safely as possible. Our investments in the most cutting-edge technologies available help us serve our patients so you can be in and out without pain or delay.

Call for Your Next Appointment

We believe that a smile is the best thing you can wear, and healthy teeth are always in fashion! Learn more about Forest Lake Endodontics and how we can provide endodontic care to help keep your smile and your teeth healthy. Contact us at our office in Forest Lake at 651-464-9888, or request an appointment online.