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Introduction
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Consultant maxillofacial surgeons deal with surgical treatment of all
dental conditions, which includes apicectomy and the removal of cysts of the
jaw.
When a tooth becomes non-vital or dies, the nerve is removed by the dentist and
a root filling is placed. This is to stop the dead nerve causing an infection
or abscess.
Occasionally, an abscess or cyst may form on the end of the root. Symptoms you
may notice are pain, swelling or a "gum boil", or even nothing.
If repeated root treatment fails, the infection or cyst needs to be cleaned
away by removing the root tip or apex (hence the term apicectomy). Antibiotics
will help the pain and swelling but do not physically remove the problem.
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Alternatives
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If nothing is done the problem will get worse. An instant solution is
to extract the tooth, thereby removing the infection, but leaving you with a
gap.
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Procedure
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Apicectomies are carried out under local anaesthesia (while you are
awake). The tip of the tooth is removed along with the infection or cyst, then
a small filling is placed at the end of the tooth to seal it. Dissolving
sutures close the gum and these disappear in 2 - 3 days.
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After Surgery
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Afterwards the area will feel sore and swelling will occur.
Antibiotics will be prescribed and you will be advised to use your own pain
killers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. It is most important to keep the
area clean. The following day rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwashes and
brush the teeth and gums gently.
After the treatment, you will be discharged to your dentist for follow up.
If the procedure is successful, it takes about six months for bone to replace
the cavity where the root tip and cyst were removed.
If you are at all worried please contact your Dental surgeon or your consultant
maxillofacial surgeon.
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