What is Root amputation?
When a root is amputated from a tooth that has multiple roots, the intention is to save the broken or diseased tooth from needing to be extracted.
Our doctors at “Endodontist”, accomplishes this procedure with an appropriate amount of local anesthetics, with or without sedation.
Root amputation is necessary in the following cases:
- Severe bone loss in a concentrated area due to periodontitis
- Embedded bacteria within the structure of the root
- Tooth decay in a concentrated area of the tooth
- Broken, fractured or injured teeth and roots
In order to amputate the root, a small incision is made into the gum to reveal the affected root. The affected root will be isolated and removed.
To kill any remaining bacteria, the whole area will be cleansed with saline solution, and then sutures will be applied to seal the incision. In 7-10 days, the stitches will be removed and the gum will have healed may be with the help of painkillers, antibiotics and a medicated anti-microbial mouthwash.
Depending on the needs of the tooth, a filling, only or crown may also be added at this time in order to make the tooth stronger in your mouth.
We generally use a special suturing technique during a root amputation that can sometimes start to unwind as healing progresses. When this happens, it is not a large concern but can become annoying as the sutures unwind.
Following the amputation of a root, the rest of the tooth is augmented by adding a crown or a filling. Teeth with a number of roots, such as the molar, are best suited to this procedure.
Contact us for more information at (561) 123-1234.