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BDS
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Dentist
Experienced General Dentist with 10+ years of expertise in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, rotary endodontics, smile design, full-mouth rehabilita…
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Root resection is a dental surgical procedure used to treat infection or damage in the root of a tooth. In this procedure, the dentist removes the affected part of the tooth root while keeping the remaining healthy part of the tooth. The main goal of root resection is to save the natural tooth instead of removing it completely.
This procedure is usually considered when other treatments, such as root canal therapy, have not fully solved the problem. For example, if infection or inflammation continues near the root after a root canal treatment, root resection may help remove the infected tissue and stop the spread of bacteria.
Root resection is normally performed by a dentist, endodontist, or oral surgeon. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. After the infected root is removed, the remaining tooth structure is cleaned and restored so it can function normally.
Although root resection is not required in most dental cases, it can be an effective way to treat complex infections and protect the natural tooth from extraction. With proper care and follow-up treatment, the remaining part of the tooth may continue to function for many years.
A dentist may recommend root resection for patients who have certain dental problems, including:
● Infection in one root of a multi-rooted tooth
● Persistent infection after root canal treatment
● Severe bone loss around one root
● Cracked or damaged tooth root
● Root decay that affects only one root
● Gum disease affecting the root area
● Inflammation around the root tip
Root resection is usually considered when the rest of the tooth is healthy and can still function after removing the affected root.
There are different approaches used in root resection treatment, depending on the condition of the tooth.
1. Root Amputation
In this procedure, the dentist removes one entire root of a multi-rooted tooth while leaving the remaining roots and crown intact. This helps preserve the tooth structure.
2. Apicoectomy (Root-End Resection)
This procedure involves removing the tip of the root along with infected tissue. The root canal is then sealed to prevent bacteria from entering again.
3. Hemisection
In some cases, the tooth may be divided into two sections, and the damaged half is removed. The remaining healthy portion can be restored with a crown or bridge.
The dentist selects the most suitable method based on the location of the infection and the condition of the tooth.
A root resection procedure is usually performed in a dental clinic or hospital. The surgery is done under local anesthesia to numb the affected area. This ensures the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
First, the dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to understand the extent of infection. Imaging helps the dentist identify the exact root that needs to be removed.
Next, the dentist makes a small cut in the gum tissue near the affected tooth to access the root area. The gum is gently lifted to expose the bone and the infected root.
The dentist then removes the damaged or infected root portion. Any infected tissue around the root is also cleaned and removed. This helps stop the spread of bacteria and prevents further infection.
After removing the affected root, the dentist cleans and disinfects the area. In some cases, the root canal may be sealed with a special dental material to protect the tooth from future infection.
Finally, the gum tissue is placed back into position and closed with stitches. The dentist may also place a temporary or permanent restoration on the tooth to restore its strength and function.
The procedure usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery after root resection surgery is generally smooth, but proper care is important to ensure healing.
Patients may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or discomfort for a few days after the procedure. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with prescribed medications.
Doctors often recommend the following aftercare instructions:
● Avoid chewing on the treated side for a few days
● Eat soft foods during the early healing period
● Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently
● Take prescribed medications as directed
● Attend follow-up dental visits to monitor healing
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, although complete healing of the bone and surrounding tissue may take longer.
Good oral care and regular dental checkups help maintain the health of the treated tooth.
Root resection is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgical treatment, it may have some risks.
Possible complications include the following:
● Infection at the surgical site
● Bleeding after the procedure
● Swelling or pain in the gum area
● Damage to nearby teeth or tissues
● Tooth weakness after root removal
● Failure of the procedure requiring further treatment
In some cases, if the remaining tooth structure becomes unstable, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction or another restorative treatment.
Dentists carefully evaluate the condition of the tooth before recommending root resection to reduce the risk of complications.
Root resection is a dental surgical procedure where the damaged or infected part of a tooth root is removed while the rest of the tooth is preserved. It helps treat infection and allows the tooth to remain functional.
The procedure is performed to remove infection or damage affecting one root of a tooth. It is often recommended when root canal treatment does not completely solve the problem.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort or swelling may occur after the procedure but usually improves within a few days.
A root resection procedure typically takes about one to one and a half hours, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of infection.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. However, the bone and surrounding tissues may take several weeks to fully heal.
In many cases, root resection helps save the natural tooth, which is often preferable to removing it. However, the best treatment depends on the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Yes, in many cases the remaining part of the tooth can continue to function normally after proper restoration, such as a crown or filling.
