Has your dental X-ray revealed an infection involving your root? Are the other roots in the affected tooth healthy? Then why go for an extraction when dentistry offers you other conservative treatments? We are talking about tooth-preserving procedures such as root amputation.
Experienced dental specialists at the Woodbridge, VA dental practice offer a conservative approach to root-end tooth infections through root amputation. This can significantly prevent the need for a tooth extraction. This informative blog helps you understand the procedure better.
Introduction
Root amputation is a dental procedure that helps save a tooth from extraction when only a single root in a multi-rooted tooth is affected. The remaining healthy roots provide support, nutrition, and stability to the tooth in its socket and prevent it from becoming loose or mobile.
The posterior teeth are the most suited candidates for root amputation procedures having multiple roots.
Indications
Root amputation procedures are often recommended when you have a healthy crown portion supported by healthy gums and alveolar bone.
The following conditions may benefit from root amputations:
- Teeth with fractured or broken roots
- Bacterial invasion of roots
- Extensive bone loss in a localized area is due to periodontal infection
- Localizes and concentrated tooth decay
Contraindications
Root amputations are contraindicated for teeth that are extensible decayed or fractured.
Procedure
The steps for root amputation are as follows:
Pre-procedure
- Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and the health of the gums and bone through oral X-rays.
- Root canal treatment should be performed before root amputations.
Procedure
- The area to be treated will be numbed by your dentist using local anesthesia.
- Your dentist will make a small incision in the gums to expose the roots.
- The affected portion will be sectioned and separated from the healthy portion of the tooth.
- The area will be irrigated with a saline solution to remove the harmful bacteria.
- The surgical site is then sutured to seal it completely.
- The gum flaps are repositioned to their normal position.
- Your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown or restoration.
Post-procedure
- You will be given all the aftercare instructions.
- Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed by your dentist.
- The sutures will be removed after a week and a permanent restoration will be provided after 2 weeks once healing is complete.
Overall, root amputations are valuable dental procedures that help preserve your natural teeth and maintain oral health. However, this is possible only when one root of a multi-rooted tooth is compromised. Consult your dentist to determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs and circumstances.
