I had an apicoectomy in early May on an infected old root canal tooth. Yesterday, I had a follow-up appointment and an x-ray that confirmed the bone was rebuilding. However, my dentist thinks there is some minor infection because she noticed a small pus sac on my gum. I will take antibiotics for a week. Is there anything else I can do to eliminate the infection? Thanks. Teddi
Teddi,
With standard root canal treatment, an apicoectomy, or root canal surgery, if a dentist removes the dead tissue and seals the root tip well, the tooth will likely heal, and the infection will resolve.
What’s the Difference Between Root Canal Treatment and Apicoectomy?
Standard root canal treatment is not a surgical procedure, but an apicoectomy is surgery. Root canal treatment accesses the tooth from its crown or the biting surface of your tooth. However, a dentist opens your gum to access the root tip during an apicoectomy.
Will Antibiotics Cure a Tooth Infection?
Although antibiotics do not eliminate tooth infections, they can speed healing after root canal therapy. Successful treatment requires removing the source of the infection.
If the bone surrounding your tooth is healing, it suggests that your dentist removed the source of the infection and sealed the root tip well. A residual infection and pus sac will improve gradually. Your dentist prescribed antibiotics to accelerate healing. Ensure you finish the antibiotics and wait for healing. You will not need to do anything further.
If the infection lingers or worsens, contact your dentist. You may need an exam from a root canal specialist (endodontist).
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
