A guide to Root Resection surgery

What is a root resection?

A root resection involves getting rid of one of the roots of a multi-rooted tooth or a tooth with more than one root. In some cases, it will be necessary to remove part of the tooth’s crown, the tooth that is supported by the root being removed. The crown is the section of your tooth that you can see in your mouth. Root resections are normally performed by periodontists.

Root resections are not like root canal treatments because with root canal treatments, the nerves and the blood vessels inside the root are removed and then the space is filled with some material whilst in root resectioning, the entire root of the tooth is removed. Since root resectioning requires that the inside of the tooth is cut, root canal treatment has to be done prior to root resectioning.

Root resections were performed in the past more often. Nowadays, your dentist will have other options like extracting the tooth and then replacing it with dental implants. Remember that it is better to keep your natural teeth than to get implants although there are some cases where implants are better. Root resectioning may end up costing you more than a tooth extraction and an implant because the tooth will also need root canal treatment. Oftentimes, the tooth will also need a crown on top of it too.

What is root resectioning used for?

Root resectioning is done so that problems are limited to a single tooth that has multiple roots. Problems are tooth decay, bone loss, and broken teeth.

How do you prepare for a root resectioning?

Teeth that have to be root resectioned may have to go through root canal treatment first. You will be given local anaesthesia when you go through a root resectioning procedure.

How is root resectioning done?

In most of the situations, your dentist may have to make cuts in your gums in order to expose the roots of your tooth. When the tooth is exposed, a bur will be utilized in order to separate the root from the rest of the tooth. When the root is separated, it will be removed.

The area will be rinsed with a sterile saline solution and it will be stitched closed. The tooth will get a temporary filling or it will be covered with a temporary crown and then after a few months, this filling will be removed and then it will be replaces with a permanent crown. You will be given prescription antibiotics for pain and you may also need to use antimicrobial mouth rinse.

What are the follow-up procedures for root resectioning?

You will not feel comfortable, have some swelling, and experience light bleeding for the next one to two days. You should avoid chewing with your tooth until the stitches are removed. This may take a week or two. When you visit the dentist and have your stitches removed, your dentist will check whether your gums are healing properly or not. When your gums are healed, all the needed restorations like fillings or crowns will be completed.

What are the risks involved in root resectioning?

Just like other surgical procedures in the mouth, there will always be a risk for infection after a root resectioning procedure. Since root resectioning removes part of the tooth, the risks for tooth extraction also apply. These risks include

  • accidental damage like cracks or breakage to the adjacent teeth
  • holes in the sinus during root resectioning can happen in the upper molars. This is supposed to close on its own although if it doesn’t, additional surgery will be required

 

If you are worried about the pain, swelling, and bleeding after the root resection then you should contact your dentist. If your temporary crown or filling comes out then you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.

 

 

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