Tooth Root Removal – Treatment of Broken or Retained Tooth Roots

Tooth root inflammation:

If the tooth root is inflamed, purulent foci or abscesses can develop inside the oral cavity. This can cause severe pain, and if left untreated, can lead to discomfort affecting the entire body.

Unsuccessful root canal treatment:

If a tooth is inflamed, root canal treatment is usually considered as a solution. However, if the tooth’s condition does not improve positively during treatment and pain persists, tooth root removal may be necessary.

Inflammation due to periodontal problems:

Gum diseases, including inflammation of the periodontal ligament, severely damage the tissues supporting the tooth. This ultimately results in tooth loss or a condition where the tooth cannot be saved. In such cases, the tooth and its root must be removed.

Retained root after tooth extraction, broken tooth root:

Teeth awaiting extraction are often in very poor condition. Unfortunately, it can happen – especially in unprepared clinics – that the tooth root breaks, causing even greater problems for the patient.

Severely decayed tooth, broken tooth:

In cases of untreated decay, the loss of tooth structure can be so extensive that the tooth cannot be saved. In the case of a broken tooth – which often accompanies decay but can also be caused by other factors – there are also irreparable situations. In such cases, removing the remaining tooth or tooth root can spare us further discomfort.

Before tooth root removal, a panoramic X-ray is always taken. This provides the treating dentist with a precise image of the root’s position, shape, and the condition of the surrounding bone.

In certain cases, such as curved roots or extensive inflammation, a CT scan may also be necessary.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient feels no pain. The oral surgeon exposes the area around the root and then removes the retained tooth root with specialized instruments.

If inflammatory tissues are also present, they are also removed, and then the edges of the wound are closed with sutures if necessary.

After tooth root removal, mild pain and swelling may occur for a few days, which is a completely natural reaction. In most cases, these symptoms can be effectively managed with painkillers and gradually decrease within a few days.

It is important for the patient to follow the treating dentist’s instructions. Proper oral hygiene, as well as avoiding physical exertion and hot foods in the first few days, helps the wound heal.

Full recovery usually takes one to two weeks.