Sometimes, a root canal isn’t enough to save an infected tooth. This can happen for several reasons, including the natural shape of the tooth’s roots, which may be curved or difficult to reach. When the dentist cannot access the very ends of the root to clean the infection, a procedure known as a root resection may be required.
How Root Resection Works
In most cases, a root canal is performed before considering a root resection (also called an apicoectomy). This procedure becomes necessary when factors such as curved roots or calcium deposits prevent complete cleaning and sealing of the tooth’s root tip during a standard root canal.
During an apicoectomy, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the affected root. The infected tissue is then carefully removed, and the tip of the root is trimmed. A small filling may be placed at the root’s end to seal it and prevent future infection. Finally, the gum is sutured to allow the tissue to heal properly.
The goal of a root resection is simple: to save your natural tooth. This treatment is only recommended when it offers the best chance of preserving your tooth and avoiding extraction.
When to Consider a Root Resection
Although root canals are highly successful, there are cases where they fail to completely eliminate infection. When this happens, symptoms can appear even years after the original procedure.
It’s not uncommon for patients to visit the dentist with mild or even no discomfort, only to discover an infection lingering near the root of a tooth. In these cases—whether you’ve had a root canal before or not—a root resection may be the best course of action to fully remove the infection and preserve the tooth.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve experienced ongoing or recurring infection after a root canal, a root resection could help you keep your natural tooth and prevent further complications. Early diagnosis and treatment make a significant difference in saving your tooth and protecting your oral health.
Have questions? Contact our dental office today to schedule an evaluation and learn whether a root resection is the right treatment for you.
