Apex resection, also known as root resection, is a dental treatment used to prevent and fix bone loss injury, or damaged root apexes. The root apex is the part of the tooth attached to the jawbone.
Apex resection is also used to remove any inflammation, bacteria, and infection from the pulp and bottom part of the tooth and jawline preventing any damage from forming.
The bottom portion of the tooth is called the apex and the top of the tooth is referred to as the crown. Root resection procedures are commonly mistaken as root canal treatments.
Root canal treatments focus on blood vessels and nerves that are located inside of the tooth. Root receptions help remove damaged portions of the bottom portion of the tooth found in the gum line.
Individuals bothered by infection or problems caused by damaged and/or injured roots can benefit from the apex root resection procedure. Root resections are best for those suffering from damage to teeth sharing common roots.
An Apex root resection procedure is generally performed under local anesthetic. An incision is made near the affected tooth and gum surrounding the apex. The oral surgeon drills a hole into the root of the tooth to reach the infection. The dental surgeon flushes the area with a sterile solution of saline and the holes in the tooth root are filled.