Need advice re: implant or apicoectomy! Help! - Dental Health Message Board

karenmackenzie · 01-06-2006, 09:10 AM

My #8 front large tooth has been root-canaled about 20 years ago and has had two expensive crowns. NOW the tooth is reinfected somehow. I had a consult with an endodontist who was very frank with me and said that she could perform an apicoectomy but the scenerio is not good and it may possibly only last a few years! This is due to the anatomy of the area - I cannot explain except the canal itself is "short".

My other option is a dental implant which is more costly but has a better chance of success. I have already spent megabucks on this one tooth (need other repairs on other teeth).

She consulted with another endodontist in her office and he said to go for the apicoectomy. Of course they are biased as they do not do implants. I feel that maybe I should just go for the implant, even though it costs more.

Any opinions would be appreciated!

Thank you,
Karen

courtenaynt · 01-06-2006, 09:44 AM

I have the same rootcanalled tooth and had an Apicoectomey two years ago. They told me eventually, I'd probably have to have implants. I'm young though, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

The Apico wasn't a big deal really, only the stitches were a pain, but hopefully it will last for years. They sometimes last forever. It's a gamble; I just wasn't ready for the intensity of getting implants just yet. Maybe in a few years if this fails I'll be ready for that.

Good luck.

legirl · 01-06-2006, 11:59 AM

I am scheduled in the next month to have an apicoectomoy. Can you explain the procedure to me? Were you sedated? How long did it take? Was the recovery painful? How long did the recovery take? Were you able to go back to work the next day?

Any information would be extremely helpful. I am absolutely dreading this procedure and just thinking about it brings me to tears. I have a phobia of the dentist.

karenmackenzie · 01-06-2006, 01:23 PM

Hi Lawyergirl,

You hijacked my thread! J/K but I would like more opinions on whether to have the apico. I have had 2 apiocos before so I know what to expect. It is not that bad.

Basically it is surgery on the root tip and they go through the gum to get to the tip, clean it out and fill it. It's usually done in one visit by an endodontist and you do have stitches in your gum. They give you something to rinse your mouth and painkiller for a couple days, and I had no more problems. I was not put out (not necessary) they numb you up good. Had them 5 years ago and no probs. with these 2 teeth.

Folks, back to my dilemma, I have been told by the specialist that the apico is risky as to whether it will last long due to the anatomy of the tooth structure. With this info, I believe that an implant is the answer for me. Would like an opinion of someone who has had implants.

Thanks!
Karen

wmkcolors · 01-07-2006, 01:55 AM

I have 6 implants. Geez, one implant is a piece of cake. Your tooth will be pulled. Some bone grafting might be done. Simple!!! A few months of healing. The implants is placed and a crown is fitted over that. A root canal is more painful than this.