Will a root-end resection relieve the pain? - Oral Health

A root-end resection or apiectomy treatment is the removal of the end of the tooth (the apex) from the gum. Apiectomies are usually only performed when an infection has spread to the bone at the tip of the tooth possibly causing an abscess.

Infections to the bone may occur after a root canal procedure, when there is a cracked root or the infection was not identified by the initial x-ray.

It may also be necessary to have a root-end resection if the patient has not seen a dentist for a long time and have a broken tooth or tooth apex still under the gum. If this is the case, the pain is not going to go away.

In cases like this, the dentist may decide on performing an apiectomy if the patient is showing signs of continued or increasing discomfort. There are no alternatives other than remove the offending tooth.

What is involved in an Apiectomy procedure?

The procedure is quite straightforward. A local anesthesia is applied to the area and then a small incision is made into the gum to allow the dentist to examine the bone and surrounding tissue for inflammation.

The dentist will then remove the tip of the root and any damaged tissue before inserting a root-end filling to seal the gum from further infection. The gum is then sutured to close the wound.

The teeth will be sensitive for a few days after the treatment until the wound begins to heal. The patient will not have the pain that was previously experienced and over the counter pain remedies will control any mild discomfort.

Infected roots and gum can be excruciatingly painful and sometimes apiectomy is the only solution to relieve the pain. Regular checkups with your dentist, in most cases, will avoid this type of dental work.