Root amputation is an advanced and innovative way of restoring a tooth with dental decay confined to the roots. It is an excellent alternative to conventional extractions. The procedure is often recommended for multirooted teeth like the molars.
Root amputations performed by our dentist in Maryville, TN, are highly precise and accurate without damaging the healthy tooth structure. This helps safeguard the integrity of the tooth and the overall oral health.
An insight into root amputation
Root amputation is a specialized dental procedure that is contradictory to tooth extractions. It is defined as the surgical removal of one or more root(s) of a multi-rooted tooth (such as the molars) at the level of the cementoenamel junction without the removal of the portion of the crown. The tooth is then stabilized and rendered fully functional with a crown or filling.
Root amputation greatly reduces the need for extracting the whole tooth that is otherwise healthy.
Indications for root amputation
Root amputation is usually recommended for healthy teeth with sound crown structure, healthy underlying gum tissues, and solid bone support.
Following are some of the reasons that require a root amputation:
- Teeth with broken, fractured, chipped, or injured roots
- Isolated tooth decay affecting a single tooth root
- Bacterial invasion into the root structure
- Isolated bone loss near a single root due to periodontitis
The procedure involved in root amputation
A root amputation involves the following steps:
Preparation
- Root amputation involves cutting the infected root deep down where the pulpal tissues comprising the nerves and blood vessels connect.
- This could lead to increased sensitivity and pain during the surgical procedure.
- Thus, your dentist would recommend root canal therapy under local anesthesia (a numbing agent) before proceeding with root amputation.
Procedure
- During root amputation, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum to expose the roots of the affected tooth.
- The root will be sectioned from the remaining tooth structure. and the area will be thoroughly cleaned with a saline solution to eradicate residual bacteria.
- Finally, your gums will be repositioned. and the incision will be closed with sutures.
- The structure and stability of the tooth can be improved through dental restorations like a temporary crown or a filling.
Aftercare
- You will be prescribed pain medications, antibiotics, and an antimicrobial mouth rinse post-root amputation.
- Avoid any strenuous activity to prevent post-surgical bleeding and discomfort.
- Your sutures will be removed after 7 to 10 days once your gums heal.
Once the recovery period is completed, you will be provided with a permanent crown.
