This surgical procedure is generally considered when symptoms or infection persist after a root canal is completed.

An incision is made in the gum tissue and a small piece of the underlying bone is removed . The infected tissue is excised and sent for a biopsy. The end of the root is resected and a filling is placed in the exposed canal. This filling seals the canal and prevents bacteria inside the tooth from causing future infections. Sutures are placed and healing is evaluated one week later.

This procedure generally takes one hour. A second, 5-10 minute appointment is needed one week later to evaluate healing and remove the sutures.

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