Understanding Apex Resection

Overview
Apex resection is a form of dentistry commonly mistaken as a root canal treatment. Also known as root resection, apex resection addresses bone loss, injury, or damaged to the root apex, or bottommost portion of the tooth where it is secured into the jawbone. Apex resection, also known as root apex resection is a type of dental Oral surgery that is performed to remove inflammation, bacteria, and infection from the pulp and bottommost portion of a tooth as well as its union within the jaw and gum line to prevent further damage.

What Exactly Is Root Resection?
Rich resection is defined as a dental procedure to remove an unhealthy tooth root. The bottom of the tooth is called the apex, while the top of the tooth is called the Crown. Root resection procedures are not the same as root canal treatments. Root canal treatments focus on blood vessels and nerves inside a tooth, while root receptions are designed to remove damaged portions of the bottommost portion of the tooth in the gum line, as well as to remove damaged or diseased or infected pulp from within the tooth root.

Who Benefits from an Apex Root Resection?
Anyone suffering an infection or problems caused by damaged or injured roots may benefit from an Apex root resection procedure. In many cases, a root resection is ideal to address issues in teeth that share common root networks.

Apex Root Resection Procedure
An Apex root resection procedure is generally performed under local anesthetic, such as an injection of lidocaine or other topical anesthetic that numbs the area to be treated. Following successful numbing, an incision is made around the affected to and the gum surrounding the bottommost portion (apex) of the tooth is removed. The oral surgeon will drill a hole into the tooth root in order to reach the infection. In most situations, the affected area of the tooth as well as any surrounding inflamed or infected tissues are removed. The surgeon will then flush the area with a sterile solution of saline. Holes left in the tooth root are filled. Then, the gum is replaced and sutured into place. Depending on damage, the surgeon may be required to perform a bone graft to replace tooth root structure where necessary.

Because the oral surgeon will be cutting into the root of the tooth, it is often recommended that root canal surgery be performed prior to a root resection in order to seal off or dead in blood vessels or nerves prior to the root resection.

Following surgery, an individual will often be offered a mild pain medication and a prescription for antibiotics, which should be taken for the entire course to ensure adequate healing.

Following surgery, mild discomfort, slight bleeding and swelling may be experienced for a day or two. Patients are cautioned against chewing on the affected side of the mouth and tell stitches are removed, which may range from between 7 to 10 days.

How Much Does Root Resection Cost?
Cost of an apex root resection will be determined by not only geographical location, the location of the surgery as well as the damage caused by infection. In some cases, dental insurance may cover partial or full cost of such a surgical procedure, that always check with your healthcare provider. In many locations in the United States, root resection surgery may cost around $1000, but medical travelers venturing to exotic destinations such as India, Poland, Mexico, and South America may enjoy up to 94% savings. Such savings are not a reflection of quality, expertise, or experience, but merely the difference between healthcare systems in the United States and other countries, including medical malpractice costs.

Who Performs an Apex Root Resection?
Apex root resection is performed by a dentist trained in oral surgery or an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon you select should have basic credentials as well as experience in the procedure you are looking for. Finding a highly skilled dentist or oral surgeon may take a little bit of effort but will pay off in the long run. Your dentist should be licensed through a state or national licensing board. Find out where they completed their dental training. Do they belong to American or International dental associations or organizations?