Who Needs an Apicoectomy and Why?

Dr. Kavita Tarale, Specialist Endodontist

A root canal procedure is done to treat and save a tooth that is damaged, infected or badly decayed. Most root canal infections can be managed by conventional root canal treatment. But in few cases where the infection persists even after root canal treatment or re-treatment, an apicoectomy is needed to clear the infection and fix the problem. Our Specialist Endodontist Dr. Kavita Tarale tells us more about this procedure.

What is apicoectomy?

The most common surgical endodontic procedure is called apicoectomy or root-end surgery. Apico means apex or root tip and – ectomy means removal or resection.

Apicoectomy is a minor yet sophisticated microsurgical procedure where the very end of the tooth’s root is removed along with the infected gum tissue attached to the root tip. The apex is then sealed with a filling to prevent micro leakage.

What is the apicoectomy procedure like?

Once the root canal procedure is completed, the endodontist will give the patient local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. The gum is cut and lifted to access the root tip. The infected tissue is curetted and the root tip is resected. The 3-4mm root canal is cleaned and sealed with biocompatible material. The endodontist will then suture the tissue back in place. The entire procedure is done under microscope and using ultrasonic instrument in a sterilized environment.

Will the procedure hurt?

The endodontist will administer local anesthesia to make the treatment more comfortable. Patients may experience slight discomfort while recuperating which is normal for any surgical procedures. Patients will be prescribed with appropriate pain medications to help ease discomfort.

How long is the apicoectomy treatment?

The treatment is done in single appointment. The procedure takes about 90-120 minutes depending upon the tooth location and complexity of the roots.

What if the patient does not want to do the surgery?

If the patient is not willing to get this surgical procedure done, then the tooth needs to be extracted and an implant can be surgically placed to replace the missing tooth.

Meet The Team: Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi

Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi

Clinical Head & General Dentist, UK

BDS (London), MFDS RCS (England)
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Umm Suqeim Clinic, Dubai

Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from Guy's Hospital, London in 2003. Following his professional qualification, he practiced maxillofacial surgery at Queen Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Military Hospital in Haslar, UK. Dr. Marwan gained membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2007. He has over 10 years of experience working as a general dental practitioner in both Surrey and central London. Dr. Marwan enjoys all aspects of his field especially cosmetic dentistry and prosthetics. Passionate in learning languages, he is fluent in both English and Arabic, and also speaks French and some Italian. His interests include sports and history.

Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England

Member of the General Dental Council (UK)

Receding Gums: Causes, Dangers and Treatments

By Dr. Omar Aldaoudi, Specialist Prosthodontist

Gum recession or receding gums refers to the loss of gingival (gum) tissue causing the exposure of the roots of the teeth.

Receding gums is a common dental problem in adults over the age of 40, but it can occur in younger ages. It can be generalized or localized and it is progressive in most cases. Usually, the first sign is hypersensitivity to cold and hot drinks. Also, the affected teeth appear longer and the roots are visible, a notch could be felt near the gum line, and spaces between teeth seem larger.

CAUSES

Gum recession has many causes and risk factors:

• periodontal or gum disease
• poor oral hygiene
• aggressive brushing
• hormonal factors
• gingival trauma
• poorly-fitted restorations
• teeth grinding or clenching
• malposition of the teeth
• smoking and chewing tobacco
• genetic predisposition

DANGERS

When gums pull away from your teeth, the roots of your teeth are left exposed and this puts you at risk for tooth and root decay. Left untreated, receding gums can also lead to functional and aesthetic complications.

TREATMENTS

The treatment of the gum recession depends on the cause, your dentist can help you to identify the problem and determine the best treatment plan.

If the recession is caused by periodontal disease, scaling and roots planning, stabilization treatments and perfect oral hygiene are extremely important to avoid further gingival and bone loss.

When the condition is a result of overaggressive brushing, your dentist and hygienist can assist you by demonstrating the proper brushing technique and recommending the best oral hygiene tools adapted to your case.

Also, you can prevent gingival recession by eating healthy food, maintaining a balanced diet, smoking cessation and regular use of night guard if you grind your teeth.

In some advanced cases, gum tissue regeneration and gingival grafting could be performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly and inform them in case of family history of gum or periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing hypersensitivity, your dentist may apply desensitizing agents, varnishes and dentine bonding agents, he may also recommend specific toothpaste and mouthwash to reduce and treat the sensitivity.

About Dr. Omar Aldaoudi

Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 2003. He then completed advanced specializations and earned his certificate in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics from the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France in 2007. Dr. Omar comes to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with vast experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, esthetic, functional and prosthetic rehabilitation.

New General Dentist Joins Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic’s Jumeirah Practice

8th August 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Michael Formenius, Clinical Director and Founder of Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinics, is proud to welcome General Dentist Dr. Sarel Van Der Linde to the team.

Dr. Sarel joins Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with nearly two decades of private practice in South Africa and the UAE. His major fields of interest include aesthetic restorations, crowns and bridge work and implantology.

"I grew up in a family where dentistry was pretty much part of my daily life," said Dr. Sarel. "My father is a dentist and my mother and sister are oral hygienists. The dental surgery was where I spend my time after school. The passion for dentistry came from seeing how my parents treat their patients and the appreciation and respect they receive back from them."

Following his B.S. Degree in Biochemistry in 1990 from the University of Stellenbosch, Dr. Sarel received his Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry in 1997 and earned his postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in 2001. In 2010, he received his postgraduate Diploma in Implantology from the University of Western Cape.

Dr. Sarel is also passionate about patient education. "Oral health is part of everybody's general health, so teaching patients to care about their oral health, would also improve their overall health. Preventive dentistry helps keep their teeth healthy, and prevents patients from having dental pain and restorative procedures."

"We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Sarel to our practice," said Dr. Michael. "His strong focus on general dentistry and many years of experience will add great value to the clinic, the team and our patients."

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarel, please visit www.drmichaels.com to book an appointment online, or call Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic’s Jumeirah Office at 04-3495900.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Dr. Michael Formenius founded Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Sweden in 1982 with five dental centers and a dental laboratory spread across Stockholm. In 1997, Dr Michael expanded to the UAE, where he currently runs three state-of- the-art multispecialty dental clinics along Dubai’s Al Wasl Road in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around Dubai.

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078