Root apex resection

Root apex resection - is one of the few surgical treatment options making it possible to preserve patients’ own teeth.

Dentists believe that a patient's own tooth performs functions much better than any artificial replacement. Even if the crown of the tooth is completely destroyed, it can be used as a support for installation of bridges and other prosthetic dentures.

Despite the development and improvement of dental services, periodontal diseases – disease of the connective tissue between the root of the tooth and the baseplate of alveoli – are still rated the third in terms of utilisation of services at the clinics. Those may include acute and chronic periodontitis.

Not so long ago, when conservative methods of treatment in the fight against chronic foci of infection were ineffective, teeth were removed. Now, a physician will decide whether removal is necessary and whether it is possible to carry out a tooth-preserving procedure. One of the types of such operations is resection (cutting off) of the apex of the tooth root. The cost of the procedure depends on the complexity of the intervention, the tooth it is performed on – single-rooted or multi-rooted, whether it is done on the upper or lower jaw.

Indications and contraindications for root apex resection

The procedure is shown:

• - In cases of a chronic inflammatory process in the periodontium, which cannot be eliminated by other methods, as well as in cases of obstruction of the root canal or root curvature.
• - In the presence of cysts and other formations in the area of the root apex.
• - In the absence of the effect of a performed treatment.
• - In cases of excessive deposition of the filling material outside the root canal.

No tooth-preserving procedure should be performed, in case the patient:

• - suffers from acute periodontitis,
• - has tooth loosening or mobility,
• - has exposure of the dental cervical line,
• - misses a part of the anterior alveolar wall and/or a significant part of the crown,
• - suffers from severe concomitant diseases.
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Recovery after root apex resection

During the recovery period, the gums may swell, so ice is applied. A physician prescribes painkillers to reduce possible postoperative pain. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infectious complications. The symptoms will gradually disappear as the mucous membrane heals. Typically, it will resolve in 5-7 days. Liquid foods, rather than solid are recommended at this time.

Sometimes, root apex resection can be part of the complex treatment of severe periodontal diseases (a complex of tissues surrounding the tooth) and endodontics (tooth pulp), the so-called endodontic-periodontal syndrome.

The earlier a cyst or exacerbation of chronic periodontitis is detected, the easier it is to cure them. Therefore, one has to undergo regular preventive examinations at least once a year, resort to professional oral hygiene services, pay attention to healthy and filled teeth, including those under dental crowns.