Final answer:
Apical curettage, apicoectomy, and retrofill are surgical procedures reserved for cases where conventional RCT has failed or is not viable. They aim to remove the infected tissue and seal the root canal to preserve the natural tooth, decided upon by a dental professional based on clinical criteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
An apical curettage, apicoectomy, and retrofill are procedures considered when conventional Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is not possible or has failed. These surgical procedures are designed to remove infection and inflammation from the root tip and surrounding bone and help save a natural tooth.
Apical curettage is the process of removing inflammatory tissue around the root tip. When a tooth's root is still infected after RCT, curettage helps remove the tissue that may harbor bacteria.
An apicoectomy involves the surgical removal of the tooth's root tip followed by a cavity preparation and placement of a filling, called a retrofill, to seal the end of the root canal. This is typically recommended when a conventional RCT is ineffective or if a tooth has complex root structures that are difficult to clean and seal with regular RCT.
The decision to perform these procedures is made by a dental professional based on specific clinical criteria, such as the presence of persistent infection, an intricate root canal system, or a failed previous RCT. It's important to weigh the benefits and risks with your dentist or endodontist.