Root tip resection
If a tooth is inflamed at the root and cannot be treated optimally with root canal treatment, the dentist may recommend root tip resection. This involves removing part of the tooth root and sealing the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering.
Root tip resection is often the last option for saving a severely damaged tooth. This oral surgery procedure can be performed in combination with a root canal treatment, or as an alternative if the latter is not promising.
Our dentists in Zurich will be happy to advise you personally on the best course of action for your case.
When is a root tip resection necessary?
If a tooth root is inflamed, the dentist will usually recommend root canal treatment. This involves removing the inflamed pulp from the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals and filling them with a replacement material. However, this procedure is not always successful.
The fine, curved root canals at the tip of the root often cannot be treated optimally with root canal treatment. The dentist may also recommend a root tip resection in cases of changes such as abscesses or cysts, or if the inflammation has already spread to the jawbone.
Removing the root tip may also be advisable if root canal treatment has already been carried out in the past and has not been successful. In this case, root tip resection is often the only way to preserve the natural tooth.
How is root tip resection performed?
Before removing the root tip, various measures are usually taken to control the tooth infection. If you are visiting our dental practice for the first time, the dentist will first carry out a thorough examination to assess the condition of the tooth. X-rays of the diseased tooth are particularly important. The X-rays allow the dentist to accurately assess the inflammatory processes and the course of the root canals.
The procedure itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the work required. Root tip resection can usually be performed under local anaesthetic. However, your dentist will be happy to advise you on alternative methods if you suffer from dental anxiety or are very nervous about dental surgery.
The dentist first gains access to the tooth root. To do this, he opens the gum and removes part of the bone to expose the root tip. The root tip is shortened by 2–3 mm, cleaned and sealed. The adjacent bone is also thoroughly cleaned of any inflamed tissue and disinfected. The dentist can now close the gum and suture it. The success of the treatment is checked using an X-ray.
What should I look out for after a root tip resection?
After root tip treatment, you should cool the treatment area thoroughly and use the medication or mouthwash prescribed by your dentist as directed. In general, careful oral hygiene is important to prevent infection and promote wound healing. Healing usually takes about 7 to 10 days. The stitches can be removed by the dentist about a week after the root tip resection.
When can I eat and drink again after root tip resection?
As a general rule, you should always wait until the local anaesthetic has worn off before eating. Otherwise, you could accidentally injure yourself while eating. Afterwards, it is recommended that you eat soft and liquid foods for a few days.
You should avoid dairy products, alcohol and caffeinated drinks at first. It is also important that you do not smoke in the days following the procedure, as nicotine can impair wound healing.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and root tip resection?
In root canal treatment, the dentist opens the tooth from above via the crown and treats the root canals from there. In a root tip resection, access is gained from the outside via the gums and bone. The root tip is completely removed and the tooth root is sealed to prevent bacteria from entering. Both procedures can also be performed together.
When is root tip resection not possible?
In principle, the dentist always tries to preserve the natural tooth for as long as possible. However, this is not always possible, for example in the case of severely damaged teeth or advanced inflammation that can no longer be successfully treated by resection of the root tip. In such cases, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction. The natural tooth can be optimally replaced with a dental implant, for example.
How long does the pain last after a root tip resection?
The pain usually lasts for a few days. The severity of the pain and how long it lasts can vary from person to person. Before the dental surgery, your dentist will prescribe a painkiller, such as ibuprofen, which you can take in the days following your root tip resection.