Dental treatments for multi-rooted teeth can be complex, especially when one or more roots are damaged. In some cases, removing a root from a multi-rooted tooth is necessary to save the remaining structure.
Understanding which procedure removes a root from a multi-rooted tooth will enable you to make an informed decision.
What is a Multi-Rooted Tooth? 🦷
A multi-rooted tooth is a tooth that has more than one root anchoring it into the jawbone. Molars and some premolars are classified as multi-rooted teeth. Chewing and grinding are critical functions of these teeth due to their larger size and surface area. The presence of multiple roots provides added support but can also complicate treatment if one of the roots becomes infected or damaged.
When is Tooth Extraction Required for a Multi-Rooted Tooth?
Tooth extraction for a multi-rooted tooth is usually a last resort when other treatments fail or when the tooth is too damaged to be restored. Severe infections, fractures that extend below the gumline, or advanced periodontal disease may necessitate the complete removal of a multi-rooted tooth. In such cases, the dentist will evaluate whether partial root removal (root amputation) or full extraction is more appropriate.
Procedures for Removing Roots from a Multi-Rooted Tooth 🛠️
When only one root is affected, dentists may opt for a procedure to extract the problematic root while preserving the healthy portions of the tooth. The most common procedures include:
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Root Amputation | The removal of a single root from a multi-rooted tooth, typically done on an upper molar. |
| Hemisection | The removal of one root and the overlying portion of the crown, typically performed on lower molars. |
| Apicoectomy | In an apicoectomy, the root tip and surrounding infected tissue are surgically removed. |
These procedures aim to eliminate infection, maintain the integrity of the remaining tooth structure, and prevent the need for full extraction.
What is a Root Amputation? 🦷
Root amputation is a dental procedure used to remove one root from a multi-rooted tooth, often to treat localized infection, decay, or structural damage confined to a single root. The procedure is performed on upper molars and involves surgically exposing the root, removing it, and then resealing the tooth.
Root amputation allows the rest of the tooth to remain functional and supported by the remaining roots. This conservative approach is preferred when the remaining roots and the crown are healthy.
Why is Root Removal Necessary in Multi-Rooted Teeth?
How Root Canal Treatment Works for Multi-Rooted Teeth 🔍
Root canal treatment (RCT) is often the first line of defense in treating infections in multi-rooted teeth. This procedure involves cleaning and disinfecting the pulp chambers and root canals of all the tooth’s roots.
After thorough cleaning, a biocompatible material is placed in the root canal, following the extraction of the damaged root and sealing to prevent reinfection. In some cases, only one root may be affected and treated, especially if root amputation or hemisection is planned. A dental crown is placed on the affected tooth after root canal therapy to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
What to Expect When a Root Canal is Done 📋
Each dental expert has their approach to this procedure; the following is a brief explanation of what to expect.
The dental professional will numb the affected area to make you as comfortable as possible after explaining the procedure. Once the area is numb, an incision at the gum line of the tooth provides the specialist with access to the tooth’s roots. The jawbone may need to be thinned to expose the damaged root.
Depending on the specialist’s decision, the root will be removed in its entirety or several pieces. The specialist will loosen the root by wiggling it back and forth; once loose, it will be removed. Depending on the specialist, the wound can remain open to heal or be closed using sutures.
Our Dental specialists at Shtern Dental Clinic use a Dental microscope in our root canal treatments. This high-tech microscope ensures we clean all canals (most patients have three canals, but it is common for there to be four or five canals).
The microscope enables us to see the smallest infection that the naked eye would miss. Microscopic vision assists our specialist in removing only the necessary amount of tooth. Removing less tooth means the tooth will be stronger post root canal.
I want you to know that using this type of microscope requires preparation and a great deal of experience. At our clinic, I, Dr. Gilberto Gálvez, personally perform this procedure to ensure the best results. I’m sure that microscopic root canal procedures have led to increased successful patient outcomes
Here is a short video showing how I use this microscope during an actual treatment.
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Risks and Complications of Removing Roots from Multi-Rooted Teeth ⚠️
As with any dental surgery, removing roots from a multi-rooted tooth carries certain risks and potential complications, including:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Damage to surrounding teeth or tissues
- Weakening of the remaining tooth structure
- Possible need for future extraction if complications arise
Proper diagnosis, surgical technique, and post-operative care significantly reduce these risks. Dentists carefully assess the overall condition of the tooth and surrounding bone before proceeding with root removal procedures.
How to Care for a Multi-Rooted Tooth After Treatment 🪥
After a root removal procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure proper healing and longevity of the treated tooth. Recommendations include:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Use of antibacterial mouth rinses
- Hard and sticky foods need to be avoided during the healing period
- Attending follow-up dental visits for evaluation
The dentist may also recommend a protective dental crown to maintain the remaining tooth structure and strengthen the tooth.
When dealing with a multi-rooted tooth, advanced dental procedures such as root amputation or hemisection can help preserve tooth function and prevent unnecessary extraction. These treatments provide a conservative approach to managing complex dental issues, promoting long-term oral health.
