Apex resection involves removing part of the root and cleaning the surrounding bone. The procedure is the last chance to preserve the tooth if root canal treatment, or even a second root canal treatment, has been unsuccessful and inflammation persists.

Root tip resection - when is it necessary?

Root tip resection is performed when root canal treatment, nor even repeated root canal treatment have not yielded the expected results. 

The beginning of the problems is caries. When carious bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth, they cause inflammation of the pulp and, consequently, severe and throbbing pain. That is not all! Untreated inflammation has much more serious consequences - the need to extract a tooth, a speculum or even myocarditis. We wrote more about this in our article "Tooth inflammation - unbearable pain".

However, prevention is always better than cure, so good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are essential. IMPORTANT: As soon as you see any worrying changes in your mouth, do not wait for a check-up, but make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

How previously diagnosed pulpitis the less painful and shorter the treatment. Thus, in the initial phase, all that is needed is to remove the decay and fill the cavities. In the case of advanced infection, root canal treatment is necessary and, if this does not help, a root tip resection.

What does the procedure look like and how long does it take?

The root tip resection procedure starts with diagnosis. For this, you will need to take an X-ray, which will help to pinpoint the exact location of the infection.

The next stage is anaesthesia. The dentist then incises the gum near the apex of the root to gain access to the bone. Then, with special instruments, he removes the infected part of the root and the surrounding and infected bone tissue. The end of the canal is sealed with a special material, as is the bone defect.  

Finally, the wound is thoroughly cleaned and closed. As this is a surgical procedure, you may experience swelling or pain afterwards. If they do not pass after a few days, be sure to contact your dentist. 

And how long does the treatment last? A root tip resection takes about 60 minutes. And how much does it cost?

Root tip resection - price

In our practice this procedure starts from £200, the final price depends on the complexity of the whole procedure. You will also need to add to the cost the expenses that will be required for diagnostics. 

If you're worried about the cost - rest assured! At our practice if your treatment is more than £350 you can take advantage of our instalment scheme. Importantly the first 12 months are zero interest, meaning you only pay back the amount you spent on treatment. If you want to find out more we recommend you read our text "Instalment scheme for dental treatment in the UK".

IMPORTANT! Our instalment system is safe and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

Finally - most importantly - if you are struggling with pain - don't wait and make an appointment as soon as possible for a visit.