When inflammation of the tooth root is detected, resection of the apex of the tooth root is prescribed in order to save the tooth. This is the excision of the part of the root in which the inflammatory process was detected. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the source of infection and avoid tooth extraction. We will tell you in more detail in which cases resection of the tip of the tooth root is performed, what stages the operation consists of, and what complications are possible after the intervention.
What is tooth apex resection
Root resection is a surgical intervention aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process by removing part of the tooth root. In dentistry, this operation is called apicoectomy.
The main indication for intervention is the presence of an inflammatory process in the tooth root. It is carried out in case of impossibility of carrying out conservative methods of treatment or if they do not give positive results. During the operation, the doctor cuts out the affected root.
Indications for tooth root resection
Let’s consider the main cases in which resection is performed:
- periodontitis;
- granulomas;
- low-quality/ineffective filling of dental canals;
- tooth root perforation;
- curvature of the tooth roots;
- removal of part of a poorly sealed canal;
- a fragment of a dental instrument in the canal;
- fracture of the root or its apex;
- inflammation of single-rooted teeth in order to preserve the crown.
These are the main cases when resection cannot be avoided, but there are also contraindications for it.
Contraindications for the operation:
- periodontitis with significant exposure of the necks of the teeth;
- periodontitis accompanied by tooth mobility;
- a tumor in the area where the tooth is located;
- viral and cardiovascular diseases.
How resection takes place: the main stages
The operation to remove a part of the root of a tooth proceeds as follows:
- Preparatory stage. At least 2/3 of the root canal is sealed. In the absence of this possibility, retrograde filling is performed.
- Analgesia Resection is performed under local anesthesia.
- An incision is made in the jaw to the bone, the mucous membrane is opened and peeled off.
- With the help of a special tool, the outer layer of bones is removed.
- After the apex of the root is exposed, it is opened to the level where it is filled with filling material.
- The cavity is cleaned of granulomas, foreign bodies, dental material.
- Removal of the tooth root is performed at the level of the bottom of the cavity.
- A bone substitute is inserted into the cavity and covered with a membrane.
- A piece of mucous membrane is returned to its place, the wound is sutured.
- A bandage is applied to the operated area, and a cold compress is used to reduce swelling.
After three to four months, the operation site is overgrown with full-fledged bone tissue.
Recommendations after tooth root resection
After resection of the tooth root, the following recommendations should be followed:
- For 5-7 days after the operation, heavy physical exertion should be avoided.
- For several days, reduce the intake of too hot, cold and spicy food.
- Rinse the mouth with antibacterial solutions, undergo anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, restorative drug therapy prescribed by the doctor.
- During three months, be careful when eating solid food.
