Sometimes a tooth is already so badly damaged by an inflammation that the root is also affected. In this case, a root resection is often the only way to save the tooth. However, such treatment requires a great deal of experience and sensitivity. As a specialized dentist in Zurich, we are happy to help you quickly and competently in such cases. Make an appointment right away at our practice on Löwenplatz so that we can take care of your problem and eliminate your discomfort!
Frequently asked questions about Apicoectomy in Zurich
What is the difference between a root canal treatment and a root canal resection?
During root canal treatments, we treat the inflammation through the crown of the tooth from the inside out. In a root resection, however, we only reach the tip of the root from the outside through gums and bone. In some cases it is necessary to do both at the same time. What the two treatments have in common is that they serve to preserve the affected tooth. To do this, it must be securely sealed after the procedure, for example with a filling or Crowns. This is the only way to ensure that no further bacteria or germs can enter the wound.
What needs to be considered after a root canal resection?
Root canals resections are an oral surgical procedure after which you should take it easy. If you feel pain, painkillers such as ibuprofen will help, as will cooling the affected area. Cooling pads also prevent bruising and swelling. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and nicotine for a while after treatment. You can eat again once the local anesthetic has worn off. Good Oral hygiene supports the healing process.
After about 7-10 days, the wound has healed sufficiently for us to remove the stitches. We can check the final success of the treatment when the healing of the bone is complete. This is the case after about 6-12 months. We then take new x-rays to check the current condition.
What are the risks associated with root canal resection?
Root canal resection is considered a safe procedure. Nevertheless, the possibility of increased pain, slight swelling or bleeding cannot be ruled out in rare cases. As with any surgical procedure, there is also a risk of infection. It is also possible that neighbor teeth may be damaged during treatment or that the inflammation cannot be completely removed. As your trusted dentist in Zurich, we will of course inform you in advance of any risks that may occur during treatment.
How long does a root canal resection take?
The procedure takes between 45-60 minutes, depending on the treatment required.
Your advantages of an Apicoectomy in our practice
![Zahnarzt Zürich Behandlungszimmer](/fileadmin/user_upload/zahnarzt-zuerich-loewenplatz/media/praxis/zahnarzt-zuerich-behandlungszimmer.png)
- Treatment done by specialists
- 20 years+ of dental experience
- Modern clinic with air conditioning
- Comfortable state of the art dental treatment chairs with massage function
- 2D/3D Xrays for precice diagnostics and low radiation
- Enjoy your favorite Netflix program during treatment
What is a root canal resection?
This resection is a special treatment that is carried out on an inflamed tooth root tip. It refers to the surgical removal of the inflamed root tip and the surrounding tissue, if necessary.
When is a root canal resection performed?
This procedure is necessary if a previous root canal treatment has not shown the desired success or cannot be carried out due to a particular curvature of the root canal. Tooth resections are often performed on teeth where the nerves have already been successfully removed and root canal fillings have been carried out.
If an inflammation has spread to the root tip of a tooth, this not only causes severe pain. There is also a risk of an abscess forming with pus and/or the infection spreading to the jawbone. Root canal resection is designed to prevent this, as we remove both the inflamed root tip and the surrounding tissue that has already been affected by the inflammation.
However, the prerequisite for a root resection is that you are in good general health. In addition, the periodontium and the tooth root itself must not be too badly damaged or fractured. Root resection only makes sense if the tooth is worth preserving. An alternative can be the removal of the tooth and placing a dental implant or a ceramic bridge.
How does a root resection work?
After a comprehensive examination and personal consultation, in which we inform you about the treatment procedure, we can assess the current condition of the tooth using 3D-x-rays. They show whether the inflammation can be treated with a regular root canal treatment. If this is not the case and all other requirements are met, we will perform a root resection.
Before the actual treatment, you will be given a local anesthetic. When it takes effect, we first expose the root tip by cutting through the gums and periosteum of the affected tooth. This allows us to reach the inflamed tissue and the jawbone, which we have to remove in order to reach the root tip.
We then carefully remove the inflamed tip of the tooth root by shortening it, usually by around 3 mm. If necessary, we also remove the surrounding tissue, which is also affected by the inflammation. The root canal is then cleaned, thoroughly disinfected and finally sealed. Cement and other biomaterials / filling materials will be used for this. The previously exposed tissue is pushed back into place and the wound is carefully sutured.
Follow-up treatments to conceal any tooth discoloration may be desired. This can be achieved with Onlay, Overlays and crowns, veneers or tooth bleaching, for example. We will be happy to advise you at our dental practice Zahnärzte am Löwenplatz on the various options and which option suits you and your teeth best.
Contact us
Zahnärzte am Löwenplatz
Seidengasse 15+20
8001 Zürich
Accessibility by telephone
Monday, Tuesday, Friday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday, Thursday
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Zahnärzte am Löwenplatz Panorama
Seidengasse 20
8001 Zürich
on the third floor, elevator available.