What Is Apical Resection? | Root Canal Treatment
Apical resection (Root Tip Treatment) procedure; It is a surgical procedure performed for infections occurring in the tooth root. It is applied when the infection in the tooth cannot be removed by root canal treatment or other treatments.
The procedure requires the removal of the infected part of the root and the surrounding inflamed tissue to cure the inflammation and protect the tooth.
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In Which Cases is Apical Resection Performed?
In order to perform apical resection, at least one root canal treatment must have been performed and failed.
However, this method can also be used in some cases listed below:
- Injuries that damage the tooth root,
In cases where the jaw structure anatomically does not allow root canal treatment, - In case a problematic tooth root compresses other tooth roots.
- When the anatomical jaw structure of the person is not suitable for the procedure, when the person has some systematic and chronic disorders or when the tooth root is smaller than normal, apical resection cannot be performed.
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Apical resection is also known as apicectomy or root tip surgery.
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How is Apical Resection Performed?
Lokal anestezi altında yapılan bu cerrahi operasyon öncesinde hastadan diş röntgeni istenir ve enfeksiyonlu dişin durumu incelenir.
Enfeksiyonun yayılımı tespit edilir, ardından ameliyatla enflamasyonun derecesine bağlı olarak kök ucu ve çevresindeki enfekte doku çıkarılır. Kapsamlı bir dezenfeksiyondan sonra diş kapatılır.
İşlem ağrısızdır ve anestezi altında yapılır, bu nedenle hasta işlem sırasında herhangi bir ağrı hissetmez. İşlem sonrası bölgede biraz ağrı ve şişlik, bazı durumlarda da morarma olabilir.
What Should Be Considered After Apical Resection?
After this surgical procedure, the specialist will advise the patient on the points to be considered.
Some points to be considered after the procedure are as follows:
- It is necessary to apply ice to the area for 10 to 12 hours after the operation and rest during this period.
- The treated area may bruise and swell. The day after the procedure, the swelling may increase. This is a normal reaction after tooth root treatment.
- To ensure healing, it is necessary to avoid brushing the tooth in the area, smoking or consuming hard foods for the period recommended by the doctor.
- The lip should not be lifted up to examine the treated tooth, and abnormal mouth movements should not be made. This may loosen the sutures.
- There may be some numbness in the area for a while after the operation. This does not mean that the nerves are damaged.
- It is sufficient to take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the pain that may occur.
- The stitches are removed 2 to 7 days after the procedure. Full recovery is usually achieved 14 days after the procedure.
How Should Oral Hygiene Be After Apical Resection?
Post-apical resection oral hygiene plays a critical role in ensuring a fast and healthy recovery. After the procedure, attention should be given to dental care to reduce the risk of infection and prevent bacterial growth. Gently brushing your teeth, avoiding direct pressure on the treated area, helps with the healing process. For the first few days, using a soft-bristled toothbrush is more suitable than a hard one.
Additionally, using the mouthwash recommended by your doctor helps prevent bacteria from spreading inside the mouth and reduces the risk of infection. Flossing is not recommended for the treated area, as it could cause damage. Instead, food debris in the area can be cleaned with a gentle gargle. To ensure a healthier recovery process, it’s important to limit alcoholic beverages and smoking to prevent swelling and pain in the treated area.
Differences Between Apical Resection and Root Canal Treatment
Apical resection is preferred when root canal treatment fails. While root canal treatment addresses the infection inside the tooth, apical resection surgically removes the infected tissue at the root tip. This procedure helps protect the tooth’s health and prevents more significant problems in the future.
The advantages of apical resection include preserving the tooth and preventing extraction. If root canal treatment does not resolve the issue, apical resection can maintain the tooth healthily. However, for a successful procedure, the experience of the dentist and the bone structure of the tooth must be suitable.
In conclusion, apical resection, as a complementary alternative to root canal treatment, ensures the long-term health of the tooth.
Which Teeth Can Have Apical Resection?
Apical resection can be applied to various types of teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. The tooth to be treated is determined based on X-ray images and the dentist’s evaluation. This procedure is used for issues such as infections, cysts, and root problems after root canal treatment.
Anatomical jaw structure is an important factor that affects the feasibility of apical resection. If the jaw structure is suitable for the procedure, it can be applied to any tooth. Before the procedure, the area around the tooth is thoroughly examined. Factors such as the root length, position, and bone structure influence the treatment decision. If the tooth’s root is severely damaged or the infection continues to spread, extraction may be necessary.
After the treatment, careful post-operative care can speed up the healing process, and the treated tooth can remain healthy for many years.
What Happens If Apical Resection Is Not Performed?
If apical resection is not performed, infection and swelling can occur at the tooth root. The infection can progress when root canal treatment is insufficient and bacteria continue to spread. This can lead to severe pain and tooth loss. If left untreated, the infection may damage the jawbone and cause more significant problems. Apical resection is an essential treatment method to prevent these risks and keep the tooth healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the frequently asked questions of our patients and contact us for any other questions you may have.
Apical resection is a surgical procedure performed to treat infections at the root end of the tooth.
It is applied in cases where root canal treatment is unsuccessful and there is an infection in the tooth root.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt.
Healing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, although swelling may last for a few days.
After the procedure, it is necessary to apply ice to the area, rest, and avoid hard foods.
There may be risks such as re-infection, nerve damage, and stitches coming loose.
There may be mild pain and swelling, but it can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Apical resection is a safe and effective treatment method when performed with appropriate technique.
