Apicoectomy Hendersonville
Bluegrass Endodontics, PLLC – Hendersonville & Mt. Juliet TN
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery?
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy?
The video on the right illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
Learn More About Apicoectomy Procedures!
Bluegrass Endodontics, PLLC
Patient Review By Tina S
Pam was the best, she was very kind & helpful, before, during & after the procedure. Dr VanDusen was very kind also and wanted to make sure that I was comfortable during the entire procedure.
- Tina S
Patient Review By Robin H
Exceptional service from the front office staff they were amazing. Dr. Horwat did a great job and talked me thru everything they were doing and was great. He was concerned about my pain and the treatment that I was getting. He had special tools to help assist with the complicated procedure and did a fantastic job. They also worked on me until after 6 p.m. and he stayed late to ensure it was completed correctly. I would recommend them to anyone needing specialty dental care.
- Robin H
Patient Review By DAVID M
Great care.
- DAVID M
Patient Review By Bobby B
Great People
- Bobby B
Patient Review By MICHAEL R
Staff was very personable and professional. I enjoyed the conversation despite my mouth being full of instrumentation, and the procedure was pain free.
- MICHAEL R
Patient Review By Kayla C
I could not have wished for a better experience than the one I received from Dr. Horwat and his staff. Dr. Horwat is patient, understanding and empathetic. He knew the answers to all of my questions and was honest with me the entire way, while still keeping me calm and comfortable. It is always clear that he does his homework on his patient and always makes his decisions based on what is best for you. I can not recommend Dr. Horwat enough!!!
- Kayla C
Patient Review By Lauren B
Everyone was very kind & friendly! Jasly & Kira were fantastic during the check-in & check-out process & helped with assuring me I was in good hands. Rebecca & VanDusen were excellent at easing my mind, calming my nerves & getting me through my first root canal. My experience could not have been more pleasant or positive! Thank you to the Mt. Juliet staff & Dr. VanDusen, you all were superb!!
- Lauren B
Patient Review By Debbie B
It was as pleasant as a root canal could be.
- Debbie B
Patient Review By Jessie B
Exceptional care by staff and Dr. Sandin was the best. Highly recommend.
- Jessie B
Patient Review By Trina D
They made you feel very comfortable. Didn’t feel any pain during procedure.
- Trina D
Patient Review By Denise H
Everyone was terrific. I was very nervous about a root canal, they were so nice and understanding, I forgot about being so nervous. Dr. Sandlin and his nurse were “the best”.
- Denise H
Patient Review By Joy P
This is the best office! Not only is the office classy... but the staff and the provider are even more!! I had a root canal and was nervous. They were so nice and patient. I didn’t feel the needle to numb me and didn’t feel the work!! It was great! Their chairs are very comfy too!! Love this office!! Thanks guys
- Joy P
Patient Review By Marie M
I was extremely nervous about having a root canal, but Dr. Horwat immediately put me at ease. He showed me the Xrays and explained, in detail, where the problem was and what the procedure would be. He promised it would be painless and it was! Even today (the day after), there is barely any soreness. No Advil for the first time in weeks! I can’t recommend him highly enough and would never use anyone else!
- Marie M
Patient Review By Geoffrey S
Very professional and efficient. Friendly and courteous too! Thank you!
- Geoffrey S
Patient Review By Larry H
Great experience. Dr VanDusen and staff were very patient and communicated very well. Front desk staff were all great as well. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing treatment
- Larry H
Patient Review By SHERI F
I can't put into words how heartfelt and thankful I am to this entire office! I had been having lower back tooth pain after a crown for a month. My dentist told me I need a root canal and I was referred to Dr. Van Dusen. I'm not a tearful or scared person, but I was gripped with fear the entire drive to the office and by the time I arrived I was shaking and in tears. Carolee and Tina were so caring and understanding and explained it was not a painful procedure and how well I would be taken care of. Rebecca was a fabulous assistant, helped calm me and even gave me a warm fleece blanket - And as simple as that seems, it really felt great. Dr. Van Dusen came in, introduced himself, reviewed my xrays/ct scan and asked about my personal history with this tooth and the pain. But when he said the words root canal, my anxiety and tears began to flow again. I was so scared. But, he said he'd take excellent care of me and that I would be numbed up well and shouldn't feel a thing. Graciously I accepted nitrous oxide. He explained everything he would be doing, showed me some of the equipment (love that rubber band ha ha) and he and Rebecca talked with me throughout the painless procedure. I can't believe I'm going to say but, this was less painful and easier than a regular routine filling. I was almost embarrassed when it was all over about how upset I had been initially. Upon leaving, Sandy was so sweet asking how I was feeling , gave me my post procedure instructions, and we went over my insurance and balances. I left feeling pretty good. I wanted to wait to write a review until this morning, (the next day) to see just how well I felt, but I'm fine. This is the first day I haven't taken Advil in about 2 weeks. I just can't believe it. While I hope I NEVER have the need for a root canal again, if I do, I'm calling Dr. Van Dusen and his staff immediately and will refer all my friends, family and coworkers, as well. I just can't say enough, how please I am. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!
- SHERI F
Patient Review By Christopher C
Very pleasurable experience
- Christopher C
Patient Review By Safwat F
Good service
- Safwat F
Patient Review By Kimberly G
I absolutely love this place and it’s staff! Nancy the dental assistant was so amazing and friendly and made you feel so comfortable. Dr. Vanduesen waa so great, he explained everything before had made sure I understood it all and did such a great job! I can’t praise the whole staff enough!
- Kimberly G
Patient Review By Brandy E
Great experience! Dr. Horwat numbed me completely and without any pain in the process! He adjusted my nite and made significant improvement after 20 visits to my previous dentist to get it resolved. Highly recommend!
- Brandy E