Hi willyhacanal,

First let me clarify that it is irrelevant as to whether the infection shows radio-graphically at one root or both roots. The tooth itself is infected and the infection is not limited to one area. The darkened area on the x-rays simply means that the bacteria from inside that portion of the tooth has now perforated that root tip and spread into the jaw bone. It is does not mean that the other root is healthy. Your surgeon is well aware of this.

The procedure you are referring to is called an Apicoectomy. This is nothing more than a surgical root canal. It does not alter the infection status of the tooth as it cannot accomplish anything more than the conventional root canal did. To be honest... an apicoectomy is a barbaric procedure in which the dentist makes a deep large incision, flaps the tissue up off of the bone, drills a window into the bone, uses sharp files and scalers to access that window and scrapes out the dead infected tissue and bone. The window hole is then plugged up with a mercury filling material and the gum tissue is sutured closed. Not only does this procedure cause inflammation and abundant bacteria.... but the mercury filling becomes embedded in the bone and surrounding tissue and it is usually not something that can be removed. This poses a problem when the tooth is removed because it compromises the health and integrity of the bone which will elevate the risk of failure if a dental implant is placed.

Another barbaric dental procedure that is prescribed in cases like yours is called a Root Amputation. This basically has not long term value as the remainder of the tooth will continue to be infected. Again compromising the health and integrity of the jaw bone.

If your goal is to remove the source of the infection then your only option would be to remove the tooth in it's entirety.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you want to read more thoroughly about root canals.... google Dr Mercola or Dr George Meinig root canal cover up.

Bryanna