Apical resection is a surgical procedure to treat infections or caries at the tip of tooth roots. It is also known as apical surgery. It is used to solve problems that occur during or after root canal treatment (endodontic treatment).
Why is Apical Resection Performed?
Apical resection can be performed in various situations:
- Root Canal Treatment Problems: Infections or inflammation may persist during or after root canal treatment. Apical resection is necessary to solve such problems and treat recurrent infections.
- Cysts in the Tooth It is performed to remove cysts or other benign tumors that form at the root end of the tooth.
- Foreign Bodies In rare cases, the introduction of foreign bodies into the tooth roots can lead to infections. In this case, apical surgery can be performed to remove foreign bodies.
- Tooth Root Fractures: Fractures in the tooth root can cause problems during or after root canal treatment. Apical surgery is used to remove the broken part and control infections.
- Post Treatment Recovery: It can be applied to support the healing of the tooth after root canal treatment.
Which Teeth Is Apical Resection Performed?
Apical resection can be performed on various tooth types such as incisors, canines, premolars (especially upper molars) and molars. Which tooth will be treated is determined by the patient’s X-ray images and the dentist’s assessment.
How is Apical Resection Performed?
Apical resection is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Anesthesia Local anesthesia is applied before the procedure.
- Incision Opening: An incision is made in the gum to access the tooth root tip area.
- Removing Infected Tissues: Infected or inflamed tissues are cut out and removed.
- Correction of the root tip: The root tip is corrected and sutured.
The healing process may take several weeks. The patient can use painkillers and antibiotics, following the dentist’s recommendations.
