When teeth are injured or suffer from extensive decay or disease, tooth removal may be necessary to preserve the health of the rest of the mouth. Prosthetic restoration of the extracted tooth can be a costly, time-consuming process, often leaving the individual without a functioning tooth for months. The doctors at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery offer a specialized oral surgical procedure that can prevent tooth removal, thereby allowing the patient to keep his or her natural tooth. During root amputation, a single root can be removed from a multi-root tooth to save the injured or diseased tooth from extraction.

Multi-root teeth develop in the back of the mouth, such as the molars that have two or three roots depending on their position in the mouth and whether they reside in the upper or lower jaw. During a root amputation, one root is removed from the tooth, and the tooth is stabilized and restored using a filling or crown.

Am I a candidate for root amputation?

If you are suffering from extensive tooth decay or extensive tooth fracture or injury, it is likely that you are not a candidate for root amputation. This procedure is performed on teeth that retain a healthy surface, healthy underlying gums, and strong bone support.

If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, you are likely a candidate for root amputation:

• Tooth decay occurring in a single, focused area of the tooth
• Mild fracture, breakage or injury to the teeth and roots
• Bone loss occurring in a single, focused area as a result of periodontal disease
• Embedded bacteria within the structure of the root

What does root amputation involve?

To perform a root amputation, the patient must also undergo a root canal procedure to remove the pulp, vessels, and nerves within the tooth. Once the root canal has been completed, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the root, and the root will be removed. Next, the remaining portion of the tooth is cleaned of any bacteria present, and a temporary filling or crown is used to secure the tooth in its natural position. The doctors of Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery use minimally invasive surgical techniques, and only local anesthesia is required to complete this procedure. After 7–10 days of healing, a second appointment will be made to place the permanent filling or crown on the tooth.

Where can I get root amputation near Philadelphia?

The surgeons at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery located in Elkins Park, PA, are specialists in performing oral and maxillofacial procedures and treatments, including root amputation. Dr. Mogyoros services the entire greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks and Montgomery Counties.