If you have a tooth that is broken or fractured, have severe bone loss in your jaw, or one of several other conditions, our endodontist may recommend a root amputation. This procedure is not too common, and Dr. Anastasios Photopoulos will help you know any other treatment options before receiving a root amputation in Sunnyvale, California. During your treatment, we will ensure that you remain comfortable and that the procedure helps restore your oral health to its optimum level. If you have questions about root amputation, and to know if you require one, we welcome you to schedule an appointment by calling us today at 408-738-1000.
Root amputation is an endodontic-specialized treatment that if performed on teeth with multiple roots, mainly the molars. Root amputations are most often performed as an effort to help prevent damaged or infected teeth from being extracted. This is a great procedure that enables our endodontist to preserve your natural teeth instead of removing them. Some of the most common reasons for a root amputation include:
- Teeth or roots that are broken, fractured, or injured
- Bacteria inside the tooth’s root
- Bone loss in a specific area as a result of periodontal disease
- Tooth decay in a specific area of the tooth
Root amputations can often be completed in up to three visits. Before the amputation, our endodontist will perform a root canal to remove the pulp and nerves. Root amputations involved cutting deep into a tooth, where the nerves are located; without removing them in a root canal first, our endodontist will not be able to resection the roots during the amputation. The root amputation will be performed in the second appointment. This involves making a small incision in your gums to expose the tooth’s roots, which will be sectioned off from the rest of the tooth and removed. Our endodontist will then clean the area to ensure that all remaining bacteria is removed. The incision is then closed with stitches. You will receive a temporary crown or filling to restore your tooth’s shape. After 7 to 10 days, we will remove your stitches and begin making your permanent dental crown or filling.
If you would like to know more about root amputations, or if you have any questions or concerns, we welcome you to call or visit our practice today. We are always happy to help!
