Apical Resection (Resection of the Root Tip)

What is Apical Resection (Root Tip Treatment)?

Apical resection is an endodontic treatment method applied in cases where the root ends of the teeth are inflamed or damaged for various reasons. In this treatment, the infected tissue at the root tip of the tooth is surgically removed and the root tip is shaped properly. This procedure is a treatment method that can be applied to preserve the permanence of the tooth.

What is a Tooth Root?

The tooth root is the part of the tooth located in the jawbone. This part, located under the body of the tooth, is an extension of the hard tissues of the tooth and helps keep the tooth fixed in place. The tooth root is fed by nerves and blood vessels coming from the inner area of the tooth called the pulp.

In Which Situations Is Apical Resection Applied?

Apical resection is performed to treat an infection or decay occurring at the root tip of the tooth. As a result of tooth decay, gum disease or dental trauma, bacteria can reach the root canals and cause infection. Even if root canal treatment is performed, in some cases the infection may recur or may not improve. In these cases, apical resection is the process of removing the infected root tip of the tooth and its purpose is to control the infection and protect the tooth. Additionally, in some cases, formations such as tumors or cysts may be observed at the root tip of the tooth, and in these cases, apical resection may be required.

What are the Risks of Apical Resection?

Apical resection procedure, like other dental treatments, involves certain risks. These risks may include:

Infection: Apical resection is a frequently used method in the treatment of an infected tooth. However, if the infection is not controlled during the procedure, the infection may persist and cause other health problems.

Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during the procedure. However, dentists can minimize this risk by taking the necessary precautions to control bleeding.

Nerve damage: Damage to nerves may occur during the procedure. This may cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the mouth.

Failure: Apical resection may fail and lead to tooth extraction. However, this situation is rare and dentists take the necessary precautions to minimize this risk.

Tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity may occur after the procedure. However, this is usually temporary and resolves itself in a short time.

Before any dental treatment, such as an apical resection procedure, our dentist will explain to you all the risks and possible complications associated with the procedure and offer you appropriate treatment options.

What Should Be Considered Before and After Apical Resection?

Before:

Have a detailed discussion with your dentist and have the necessary tests done.
Talk to your doctor about the medications you should use before treatment.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your treatment.
Come to the treatment with as comfortable and loose-fitting clothes as possible.

After that:

Keep a cloth or gauze in your mouth for the first few hours.
Avoid hot foods and drinks until bleeding is controlled.
Take medications recommended by your doctor regularly to cope with pain and swelling.
To avoid food residues, consume only soft and easily chewable foods in the first days.
Pay attention to oral hygiene in the first days, but do not brush or floss the treated area.
After the treatment, go to follow-up appointments determined by your doctor at regular intervals and have the success of the treatment checked.

Following your doctor’s recommendations before and after apical resection will ensure the success of the treatment.