Do you suffer from persistent toothache? Has the dental infection invaded your tooth root? Do you wish to preserve your natural tooth? Then root amputation is the apt choice for treatment for you. 

Root amputations at the Dental clinic Livermore, CA, help save your tooth from unwanted extractions. Read to know more about the procedure. 

What is root amputation?

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.

When is root amputation indicated?

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

Root amputations are contraindicated for teeth that are extensively decayed or fractured.

How is a root amputation performed? 

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. 

What are the benefits of root amputation?

Root amputation procedure offers the following benefits:

  • It is minimally invasive 
  • No hospitalization required
  • It is a quick procedure 
  • Affordable
  • It helps preserve your tooth by avoiding extraction
  • There are minimal complications involved 
  • Healing and recovery are quick 
  • It aids in good oral rehabilitation, boosting your confidence 

Root amputation is an excellent procedure to avoid extracting a tooth where the infection is limited to the root region.