Root apex resection – everything you need to know

Root apex resection is one of the advanced dental procedures that may be necessary in the case of advanced dental diseases. In this article, we will discuss what exactly root apex resection is, the differences between it and other dental procedures, indications for its performance, course of the procedure, possible complications and costs associated with this treatment.

What is root apex resection?

Root apical resection, also known as apical resection, is a dental surgical procedure that involves removing the terminal portion of the tooth root, called the root apex. This treatment is used in the case of advanced tooth infections that are difficult to remove root canally, i.e. failure of previous endodontic treatment. The purpose of root apex resection is to remove the source of infection and preserve the tooth when standard treatment methods are ineffective.

Resection versus radisection (radectomy) and hemisection – what is the difference?

It is also worth distinguishing root apex resection from other dental procedures such as radisection (radectomy) and hemisection. Radisection involves removing one of the tooth roots, usually in the case of molars that have more than one root. Hemisection, on the other hand, involves the removal of half of a tooth, especially when only one part of it is damaged or infected. Root apex resection, on the other hand, involves removing the tip of one of the tooth roots.

Root resection – what are the indications and when is it performed?

Root apex resection is a procedure performed when other tooth treatment methods, such as root canal treatment, do not bring the desired results. The main indications for root resection include:

• Advanced tooth infections that do not respond to antibiotics or root canal treatment.
• Too complicated anatomical root structures that make it impossible to thoroughly clean the root canals.
• Structural damage to the tooth, such as cracks or root fractures.
• Presence of a cyst or lump on the tooth root.

Root resection – anesthesia, stages of the procedure

Before the root apex resection begins, the patient is thoroughly anesthetized to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. The dentist then makes a small incision in the gum to gain access to the tooth root. The root tip is removed and the area is thoroughly cleansed of any infections and pathological changes. After the procedure is completed, the incision site is sutured and the patient is informed about postoperative care recommendations.

Are there any complications after tooth resection? does resection hurt?

After root apex resection, the patient may experience minor pain, which can be relieved with painkillers prescribed by the dentist. There is also a risk of swelling and bruising in the treatment areas. However, the most important thing is to follow postoperative recommendations and regular check-ups with the dentist to avoid possible complications and ensure proper wound healing.

Root resection – what is the price, can the procedure be performed under the national health fund?

The cost of root apex resection may vary and depends on many factors, such as location, complexity of the procedure and type of tooth. Typically, the cost is much higher than standard root canal treatment. Some dental facilities offer the possibility of partial reimbursement of costs by the National Health Fund (NFZ), but not all cases qualify for this type of financial support. Patients should consult a dentist and check the possibility of reimbursement before undergoing the procedure.

Your suggestions

If you have any questions about root apical resection or would like to learn more about it, please consult your dentist. He or she will best assess whether resection is the right treatment option for you. Also remember about regular check-ups at the dentist, which allow for early detection of possible dental problems.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in dentistry, we also recommend reading other articles on our website, which contain valuable information about oral health, dental prophylaxis and various treatment procedures.

Root apex resection is an advanced dental procedure that may be necessary in cases of serious dental disease. Although this procedure may involve some costs and postoperative discomfort, it can be a key element in saving the tooth and preventing further complications. It is always a good idea to consult your dentist and discuss your treatment options.