IDIM, experts in periapical surgery: the top technique to save infected teeth

The state-of-the-art technique for saving teeth which many dentists would extract and replace with implants

IDIM dental clinic, located in Valencia, has been taking care of the oral health of its patients for more than 35 years. IDIM is formed by a multidisciplinary team of dentists with specialized training and experience in the most complicated clinical cases and after years of performing their own research and training, they have established themselves as experts in periapical surgery.

What is periapical surgery? It is a conservative surgical intervention that consists mainly of removing the tooth's root and infected tissue and using a filling to seal the end of the root. This is also called an apicoectomy.

Why opt for an apicoectomy?

When a patient comes to the dentist with problems of infection in a tooth, they usually think that the solution will be to extract the tooth and replace it with dental implants. However, periapical surgery, when indicated, can fight the infection without having to extract the tooth that is causing it.

Therefore, periapical surgery is a dental technique that can extend the lifespan of a damaged tooth. For this reason, the procedure really should be used more frequently in dental clinics.

When is periapical surgery recommended?

Periapical surgery is a safe and effective treatment that can offer additional life to a tooth which otherwise would have to be extracted. With the latest technology and instruments and the proper knowledge and experience, it is possible to save up to 90% of the teeth the procedure is indicated for.

But when should you choose to undergo this procedure? When it is necessary to remove an infection in the bone caused by a necrotic tooth that has been unsuccessfully treated with a root canal, or when the root canal worked for a while but the infection developed again.

In addition, periapical surgery is also recommended when the infection in the bone becomes severe. Surgery makes it possible not only to eliminate it but also to perform a biopsy in order to analyse the lesion under the microscope and rule out any aggressive cysts or tumours.

Periapical surgery must be performed only when there is a high chance that it will succeed. For example, in cases where the tooth is fractured or has advanced bone loss as a result of periodontitis, the prognosis of periapical surgery is uncertain and we should choose extraction and dental implant instead.

Dr. Peñarrocha: specialist in periapical surgeries at IDIM Plaza América

For many years, Valencia's IDIM Dental Clinic has effectively used and studied this procedure. Miguel Peñarrocha, the scientific advisor for IDIM, has more than 35 years of clinical experience, more than 500 scientific publications, and a lengthy history of teaching, all of which attests to his skill as a subject-matter expert.

The IDIM staff also undergo ongoing training and have access to the latest cutting-edge equipment to give their patients everything they require. To suggest the best course of action for the patient, they thoroughly investigate each case.

They have been able to consolidate their status as one of Valencia’s top dentistry practices and a centre for periapical surgery thanks to their wealth of experience and the satisfaction of their patients.