Apical resection is a procedure performed to remove cysts and infections in the tooth root caused by improper treatments, decay, or dental trauma. It is done to save the tooth rather than extracting it. This procedure is considered when the cyst or infection does not cover a significant portion of the root, at least two-thirds of the tooth can remain intact after the operation, and when root canal treatment alone is insufficient, necessitating surgical intervention.
Apical resection is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure begins by making an incision in the gum area where the affected tooth root is located, exposing the problematic root. The root area is thoroughly cleaned and then refilled. Finally, the gum is sutured at the incision site. The void left in the jawbone where the cyst was removed typically heals and closes on its own within a few months.
Regular follow-ups with the dentist are crucial after the procedure. Examinations are typically scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months during the first year and annually thereafter. During these check-ups, clinical and radiographic evaluations are performed. If no complications arise and the root fully heals, the tooth can remain functional and durable for a lifetime.
