Tooth root resection

Modern surgery involves performing all sorts of operations, even very complex ones. Many dental diseases also have to be treated surgically. One of such dental operations is resection of the apex of the tooth root, or, in medical terms, apicoectomy.

The main goal of the intervention is to remove the tissue element damaged by the pathological process. At the same time, the tooth body itself is preserved. The procedure is considered quite complex, so more detailed information about it will not be superfluous.

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Indications for root apex resection

Apicoectomy is prescribed for the treatment of patients with complicated periodontitis, which occurs with the formation of a cyst, granuloma, or with infection in the root canal. The cystic element is usually attached to the apex of the tooth root.

In what cases exactly is it necessary to resort to surgery?

• In case of poor quality treatment of root canals, when in some parts of the untreated canal an infectious focus arises, provoking the development of a cyst.
• If there is a pin or tab in the root canal, which can lead to damage to the tooth root when attempting to remove the cyst.
• When treating a cyst of a tooth on which a crown is installed, with sealed root canals.
• A cystic formation larger than 10 mm is a clear indication for surgical intervention.

Like most surgical operations, tooth root resection, in addition to indications, also has some contraindications that must be taken into account when prescribing the intervention:

• loose teeth;
• acute infectious processes in the body;
• serious cardiovascular pathologies;
• acute periodontitis;
• significant damage to the body of the tooth;
• cracks in the tooth root.

Technique of resection

The apicoectomy procedure usually takes no more than one hour. This may depend on the location of the tooth relative to the dental arch. The front row of teeth is easier to treat.

The surgical intervention is carried out in stages.

1. The patient is prepared for the procedure. If the canals of the affected tooth have not been filled, they are filled a day or two before the operation, but not earlier.
2. The intervention is performed under local anesthesia. The patient is preliminarily tested for possible allergies.
3. The surgeon makes an incision in the gum area, exposing the bone, into which an opening is made to access the cyst.
4. Through the hole made, the doctor cuts off the root tip along with the cyst.
5. After removing large cysts, the resulting cavity is filled with artificial bone tissue. If the cyst was small, then this step is skipped.
6. The surgeon sutures the incision in the gum, leaving a small area for drainage.
7. To prevent bleeding, the doctor applies cold for 20-30 minutes. This also serves as a preventative measure against swelling and hematoma.

After the procedure, the patient is advised to carefully follow the rules of oral hygiene and rinse the tooth with anti-inflammatory solutions.

You can eat no earlier than 3 hours after the intervention. The food should be pureed and should not contain solid particles.

The patient is issued a certificate of temporary disability until the stitches are removed. This usually happens on the 5th-7th day.

If you do not follow these rules, the cyst may develop again. In this case, repeated resection of the tooth root apex may be required.

Consequences after root apex resection

What are the possible consequences after the apicoectomy procedure? Most often, these are complications such as:

• bleeding;
• perforation of the wall of the maxillary sinuses;
• incomplete removal of the lesion;
• inflammatory reaction;
• traumatic nerve injury.

In addition, the cyst can develop again: most often this happens after an improperly performed resection, or if oral hygiene rules are not followed.

During the recovery period, you should take antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. If you ignore the prescribed treatment or change the treatment regimen yourself, then in this case, the pathology may also develop again.

Complications after root apex resection, such as wound suppuration, are reduced to zero if all necessary aseptic rules are observed and antibiotics are taken.

After the operation, the lifespan of the affected tooth is no different from that of healthy teeth. The main thing is to carefully follow all the recommendations of the attending physician.

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What to do if a tooth hurts after root apex resection?

Pain that occurs after root apex resection may be a sign of complications such as:

• perforation of the maxillary sinuses;
• alveolar nerve damage;
• development of a purulent process in the wound;
• poor cleaning of the surgical cavity and recurrence of the cyst.

In addition, it is important to consider the nature of the pain: aching, shooting, increasing when biting, constant, periodic, etc.

If pain occurs after surgery, then other accompanying symptoms must be taken into account to clarify the diagnosis:

• elevated body temperature;
• increased pain when tilting the head;
• excessive sensitivity of the affected tooth;
• nasal congestion, etc.

To clarify the diagnosis and draw up a plan for the necessary treatment, it will be necessary to conduct some examinations, in particular, X-rays and orthopantomography.

Restoration after root apex resection

As we have already said, the apicoectomy procedure is a complex operation, the duration of which is about 1 hour. If all the doctor's recommendations are followed, recovery occurs relatively quickly.

You should avoid significant physical activity for 2-3 days.

You can eat 3 hours after the intervention, but only warm and liquid food. In the future, it is recommended to avoid too hot and cold food, as well as too salty and sour products.

It is not advisable to carry out aggressive teeth whitening in the future.

The first few days after the operation, you may be bothered by tissue swelling and minor pain. However, with the use of antibiotics and painkillers, the wound heals quickly, and the pain disappears without a trace.

The operating surgeon may prescribe preventive X-rays 2-3 months after the intervention to ensure that the infectious process has been successfully stopped.

For 3 months after the procedure, it is advisable to avoid eating solid foods such as nuts, seeds, etc.

In the vast majority of cases, root apex resection helps patients preserve the tooth with its basic functions, as well as prevent many dental problems in the future.