It is the process of removing the cyst or infection at the tip of the tooth root together with the lower 1/3 of the tooth root.

Can apical resection surgery be applied to all teeth?

  • Apical resection surgery can be applied to all teeth, including molars.
  • The area where the molars are located should be evaluated in detail for apical resection. If it is thought that the nerve may be damaged during surgery, especially in the lower jaw, it would be healthier to extract the tooth.
  • Additionally, the length of the tooth root is an important factor in the indication for apical resection. If the lower 1/3 of the tooth root is removed and the length of the remaining tooth root will remain very short, it would be healthier to extract the tooth.

In what cases is apical resection surgery performed?

  • It is applied for cysts or infections that occur in the tooth root and do not go away with root canal treatment.
  • During root canal treatment, it is performed in cases where the root canal tool is broken.
  • It is applied in cases where the root canal treatment overflows from the tip.
  • It is applied for pain that occurs after root canal treatment.
  • It is applied in cases where the tooth root is broken as a result of trauma to the tooth.
  • In cases where the tooth has not completed its root development and root canal treatment is required, it is applied to cover the root end of the tooth.
  • Apical resection is performed in cases where the root structure and shape of the tooth do not allow root canal treatment.

How is apical resection performed?

  • Following anesthesia, an incision is made in the gum and the gum is removed.
  • A certain amount of bone around the root tip of the tooth is removed.
  • If there is a cyst at the root end, the cyst is removed from the bone in one piece.
  • The root tip of the tooth is cut, removed and corrected with the help of drills.
  • The part of the root canal treatment at the end is hollowed out a little. The canal opening is closed with special filling materials (MTA) to ensure sealing.
  • The cyst cavity is made sterile by washing with plenty of physiological saline.
  • If major bone destruction occurs in the cyst cavity, the socket is filled with bone grafts.
  • The apical resection process is completed by closing the soft tissue with stitches.

What should I pay attention to after apical resection surgery?

  • To prevent bleeding after the operation, the tampon must be kept for half an hour. Hot and hard foods and drinks should be avoided. Solid foods should not be eaten before the anesthesia wears off.
  • It is necessary to apply ice externally to prevent swelling after the operation. Ice is applied externally to the operation area during the first 24 hours for 10 minutes. This procedure should be applied mostly in cases where the bone is lifted too much.
  • After apical resection, a prosthesis should not be applied to the tooth for 3-4 months, and excessive force should not be applied to the tooth.
  • Mild swelling and pain are normal after apical resection. You should use antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor. It is necessary to keep oral hygiene at the highest level by mouthwashing and brushing your teeth.

DOES INFECTION RETURN AFTER APICAL RESECTION?

  • There is a risk of recurrence of infection after apical resection. In case of recurrence; Swelling, pain and inflammation occur at the tooth root.
  • If infection occurs after apical resection surgery, the area must be opened again and the infected tissue must be cleaned. There is always the possibility of recurrence of infection.
  • Implant treatment, which has become widespread today, is a good alternative treatment to replace teeth, especially in these cases and recurrent infections. Because dental implants, which are compatible with the body, are placed in place of the missing tooth, they meet all kinds of aesthetics and functions of the tooth and can be used healthily and successfully for a very long time.