Root Amputations

A root amputation is used on a damaged molar and completely removes damaged root structures to keep the rest of the tooth healthy. Dr. Brian Nugent may recommend this treatment if the tooth cannot be repaired by a traditional root canal. Call Downers Grove Dental and Orthodontics at 630-968-5900 to learn more about root amputations in Downers Grove, Illinois, and schedule a consultation with our dentist.

We are pleased to provide root amputation to help maintain your oral health. This procedure involves the removal of one of the tooth roots and is usually performed on the molars in the back of your mouth (which have several roots). Like root canal therapy, root amputation is completed in order to save a diseased or damaged tooth from extraction. Reasons for a root amputation may include:

• The tooth or its root is fractured or broken
• Bacteria have infected one of the tooth roots
• Gum disease has created concentrated areas of severe bone loss
• There are concentrated areas of decay in the tooth

If you experience one of these problems, then root amputation may be the best possible choice of treatment.

Our dentist will begin your root amputation by first performing root canal therapy. Because root amputation involves deep areas of the tooth that contain nerves and blood vessels, we first remove these soft tissues through root canal therapy. For the root amputation, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. We then make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth roots, section off the affected root and remove it from your jaw. After the area is cleaned, we will suture together your gum tissue. The tooth is stabilized and restored with either a dental filling or a crown. The stitches are generally removed within seven to 10 days, once the gums have healed.

To learn more about root amputation, we welcome you to contact our office today.