Root Canal Surgery
In some cases, infection in the tissues surrounding a tooth may not heal despite root canal therapy. This could be because of a calcified (blocked) canal, unusual root shape or curvature, or a restoration that prevents access. In these cases, a minor surgical procedure can be done which can remove the infected tissues at the base of the tooth. This allows access to the canal space, which can then be disinfected and sealed. This procedure is done under local anesthesia usually using a microscope, and is an alternative in some cases to tooth removal and replacement.
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Unfortunately the options are limited. The only alternative to root canal treatment is often extraction of the tooth. After an extraction the surrounding teeth have a tendency to shift and move into the newly created space. This can cause aesthetic concerns and occlusion (chewing) problems. It is thus recommended that this space be filled with an implant or a fixed bridge, which are both more costly than a root canal. Although these are adequate and quite successful replacements, nothing is as good as your natural tooth.