Root Amputation

Our doctors offers root amputation treatment to prevent tooth extractions. Root amputations are specialized endodontic procedures in which one root of a multi-root tooth is removed. Usually it is performed on the molars at the back of the mouth. To learn more about root amputation in San Jose, California, and to schedule your consultation with our endodontist, please contact Cheer Dental at 408-437-1111.

Our endodontist may recommend a root amputation if you have one or more of the following problems:

• Broken, fractured, or injured teeth and roots
• Bacteria embedded within the root structure
• Severe bone loss in a concentrated area
• Tooth decay in a concentrated area of the tooth

Root amputations can only be performed on teeth that are otherwise healthy, meaning that the tooth in question must have a healthy tooth surface, strong bone support, and healthy underlying gums. Before you can receive a root amputation, our endodontist will need to perform a root canal to remove the pulp of the tooth. This is necessary because root amputation involves cutting deep into the tooth where blood vessels and nerves are located, and the tooth roots cannot be resectioned without removing the pulp.

During your root amputation procedure, we will make a small incision in your gum to expose the tooth roots. The affected root will be separated from the remaining portions of your tooth and removed. Our endodontist will cleanse the area to kill any remaining bacteria, and suture the site to seal the incision.

We will then provide a temporary crown or filling to stabilize the area and make the tooth functional. We may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, or a medicated antimicrobial mouthwash. After 7-10 days, the stitches will dissolve or be removed, and we will begin the process of designing and placing your permanent restoration.

For more information about root amputation, please contact our office.