If an apicectomy doesn't work, can I still have an implant?

[Blake]

Hi

I had root canal treatment on my top premolar tooth about a year ago and unfortunately the root canal did not work fully and I have been told that I need to have an apicectomy done.

I would like to know if I have an apicectomy and knowing my luck it didn't work, would I still be able to have a dental implant? Are there any risks with apicectomy that I should be aware of before having an apicectomy.

Are there any alternatives to apicectomy? My dentist suggested redoing the root canal but I wasn't that keen on that? Is redoing the root canal better than apicectomy?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

Yes you can have implants after apicectomy and what you must be aware of is that when apicectomy is done, there is some bone removal and ideally you keep this to a minimum as bone is what is essential for implant placement and is very valuable.

But I would very much agree with your dentist that you should consider re root canal treatment if it is a possibility. Apicectomies do not always work and even if they do studies has shown they only are effective for 5 years on average. So if possible to do re root treatment and the tooth can be saved in this way without the need for apicectomy, then you may not even need an expansive implant. My suggestion would be to come and see us for an assessment and we try to give the best honest suggestion with regard to your course of treatment.