Apical Resection 2024: What It Is, Process and Current Prices

What is Apical Resection and Why Is It Necessary?

Apical resectionis the process of surgical removal of infected tissues formed at the root tip of the tooth. It is usually preferred in cases where infections at the root tip cannot be controlled with traditional canal treatment. This procedure is done in order to save the tooth and prevent tooth loss. Tooth root resectionallows the infection to be controlled without the need for tooth extraction.

Causes of Infection in Tooth Roots

Tooth root infections are often caused by inadequately treated canal treatments. The accumulation of bacteria in the root canals of the tooth can lead to the growth of the infected area at the root tip. Untreated infections can spread to the jaw bone and cause the tooth to lose its functionality. In these cases, apical resection surgery is the most effective method resorted to to removing the infection at the root tip.

Conditions Where Traditional Canal Treatment Is Inadequate

Traditional canal treatment is usually successful in clearing the infection inside the tooth, but in some cases, if the infection has progressed to the root tip, this treatment may be inadequate. If the infection cannot be controlled despite repeated treatment of the canal, apical surgery comes into play. Apical resection is a treatment option that is applied to protect the tooth rather than the extraction of the tooth, and therefore plays an important role.

How is apical resection performed?

Apical resection is a procedure performed with proper planning and careful surgical intervention. This process, aimed at cleaning the infected tissue at the root of the tooth and maintaining the healthy part of the tooth, consists of a number of stages. Pre-procedure preparation is carried out in three main stages - surgical intervention and postoperative care.

Preparatory Stages

Prior to apical resection surgery, the dentist assesses the patient's overall oral health. During this process, dental x-rays are usually taken to see how far the infection has spread. X-rays and other imaging techniques help plan surgical intervention. The dentist makes the treatment process individual, taking into account the patient's health history and existing dental problems.

Surgical Process

Apical resection surgeryis usually performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the gums are cut and access to the root tip is provided, and the infected part of the root is removed. In addition, infected tissues around the root tip are also cleaned. At the last stage of the operation, the gums are closed and the area is fixed with stitches. The procedure time usually varies from 30 to 90 minutes and can be completed in a short time, depending on the size of the infection.

Steps of Apical Resection Surgery

1. Anesthesia Application: The patient is given local anesthesia so that he does not feel pain during the operation.
2. Opening of the Gums: The dentist makes a small incision on the gum to reach the root tip and provides direct access to the root tip.
3. Removal of Infected Tissue: Infected tissue located in the root of the tooth and part of the root tip are carefully removed with surgical instruments.
4. Trimming Root Ends: After removing the diseased area at the root tip, the intact part of the root is left.
5. Sewing and Closing Process: After the procedure is completed, the gums are sealed with a suture and the area is left for the healing process.

What to consider after the procedure

After surgery, the patient should pay attention to oral hygiene and strictly follow the instructions given by his doctor. The stitches are usually removed within a week, but the process of full recovery can take several weeks. It is normal for pain and swelling to occur, which can be controlled with painkillers and cold compresses. To speed up the healing process, it is important to avoid hard foods and not irritate the area.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Apical Resection

Although apical resection is an effective surgical procedure aimed at saving the tooth, it has some advantages and disadvantages, like any treatment. This section discusses the possible pros and cons that patients may encounter after the procedure.

Advantages

A Less Invasive Alternative

Apical resection requires less surgical intervention compared to more invasive procedures such as tooth extraction. Instead of losing the entire tooth, only the infected tissues at the root tip are removed, preserving the functional part of the tooth. In this way, patients have the advantage of preserving their natural teeth.

Preventing the Use of External Dentures

Apical resection aims to prevent tooth loss so that patients do not have to resort to artificial tooth options such as external dentures, implants or bridges. As long as the tooth root is healthy, it is a great advantage that the patient can use his natural tooth. From an aesthetic point of view, preserving the natural tooth also provides a more satisfactory result compared to prosthetic teeth.

disadvantages

Long Healing Process

The healing process after apical resection surgery may vary from person to person. Usually, mild pain, swelling and tenderness can be observed for several weeks after the surgical procedure. The process of full recovery can take several weeks, and during this time careful care is required.

Potential Complications

As with any surgical intervention, apical resection also has some risks. Complications such as the risk of infection, failure of the implant to hold, or insufficient healing of the surgical site may occur, although rare. Especially in patients with systemic disorders such as diabetes, the recovery process may be prolonged and the risk of infection may increase. Good oral hygiene and compliance with the recommendations of the dentist are important to minimize these risks.

Apical Resection Prices 2024

Apical resection prices can vary based on many factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the level of expertise of the dentist performing the treatment, the technologies used, and the clinical location. As of 2024, the costs of this surgical intervention may be higher compared to other dental treatment methods in general, since apical surgery requires a delicate intervention.

Factors Affecting Prices

The main factors that influence the prices of apical resection are:

• Degree of Difficulty of Treatment: The size of the infection in the root of the tooth and the techniques used during the procedure can cause prices to fluctuate. If there are deep infections or severe damage to the root tip, the process can be more complicated and therefore more costly.
• Dentist's Expertise: An experienced in such surgical interventions endodontist or the intervention of the surgeon, can increase the cost of the procedure. Specialist dentists often charge higher fees because they have higher success rates and patient satisfaction with the procedure.
• Clinic and Equipment Cost: Surgical equipment and advanced imaging technologies used during the apical resection process also affect prices. Treatments performed in modern and digital dental clinics can often be more expensive.

Insurance Coverage and Payment Plans

Apical resection may be partially covered by some health insurances. However, every insurance policy is different and it is important to find out in advance at what rate it covers dental treatments. Usually, aesthetic interventions are not covered by insurance, while surgical procedures for medical reasons can be covered more comprehensively.

Clinics that offer payment plans for uninsured patients may also be available. Some dental clinics offer installment options in order to offer more affordable costs to their patients. Thus, paying the cost of treatment over time becomes a more accessible option for patients.

Prices for apical resection as of 2024, on average 2,500 TL to 7,000 TL can vary between. This price range may vary depending on the choice of clinic, the technology used and additional procedures in the treatment process.

Healing Process After Apical Resection

The healing process after apical resection can pass quite smoothly, with the patient paying attention to oral care and following the recommendations of the dentist. The recovery period usually takes several weeks, and during this period certain measures need to be taken. Mild pain, swelling and tenderness after surgery are normal, but these are temporary and heal quickly with proper care.

What to Consider During the Recovery Period

There are some important points that you should pay attention to in order to maintain your oral health and speed up the healing process after apical resection surgery:

• Oral Hygiene: During the healing process, you need to take extra care of oral hygiene. You should carry out the process of brushing your teeth gently and be careful not to damage the surgical site. Your dentist may recommend using antiseptic mouthwash to prevent the risk of infection of the operating site.
• Food and Beverages: You should consume soft and warm food for several days after the procedure. Hard, hot or too cold foods can irritate the surgical site and make recovery difficult. In addition, you should avoid damaging the seams by avoiding hard food.
• Pain Management: Mild pain and discomfort may occur after apical resection. Your dentist reduces the risk of infection by prescribing painkillers and antibiotics when needed. It is important to use these medications regularly to keep pain under control.

Possible Side Effects and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, some side effects and complications can occur after apical resection. However, these situations are rare and usually short-lived. Possible side effects include:

• Swelling and Bruising: There may be slight swelling and bruising in the face area after the procedure. To alleviate this condition, you can apply cold compresses.
• hemorrhage: Mild bleeding may occur for several hours after surgery. If the bleeding is aggravated, you need to contact your dentist.
• infecting: The use of antibiotics may be recommended to prevent the risk of infection during the recovery process. Caring for oral hygiene will also minimize this risk.

Success Rates and Long Term Care

The success rate of apical resection is quite high, especially if patients maintain regular oral care. If the procedure is successful, the tooth can continue to be used healthily for many years. However, regular dental check-ups after the procedure should not be neglected and dental health should be followed in the long term.

Other Alternative Treatment Methods

Apical resection is an effective surgical method used to clean infected tissues at the root end of the tooth. However, different methods are also available for patients who are not suitable for this treatment or those who are looking for alternative treatments. These alternative treatment options may be preferred based on the prevalence of the infection, the condition of the tooth, and the general health conditions of the patient.

Traditional Canal Treatment

Canal therapy is usually the first method of treatment of choice before the need to apply apical resection. During canal treatment, infected nerves and tissues inside the tooth are cleaned and the root canals of the tooth are filled and closed. This procedure is done with the aim of eliminating the infection in the root of the tooth, and if successful, there is no need for surgical intervention. But if the infection at the root tip is of a more serious size, canal treatment may be insufficient and the need for apical resection arises.

• Advantages: It is less invasive and allows the tooth to be saved without the need for surgical intervention. The healing process may be shorter.
• disadvantages: It may be insufficient in deep root infections and apical resection may be necessary for recurrent infections.

Tooth Extraction and Implant

In cases where the tooth cannot be saved by apical resection or canal treatment, tooth extraction comes into play as another option. After the tooth is removed, it is replaced by a dental implant by placing it, the jawbone and dental aesthetics are preserved. Implants restore the function of the missing tooth, offering a natural tooth appearance and chewing function.

• Advantages: By removing the infected tooth completely, it stops the spread of infection. The implant offers a permanent and long-lasting solution.
• disadvantages: The process of tooth extraction and implantation can take longer and cost more. In addition, the healing process can also be longer compared to apical resection.

Differences Between Dental Implants and Resection

Tooth root resection is a method used to save the tooth, while the implant replaces the missing tooth after tooth extraction. Both processes serve different purposes. Apical resectionwhen it is a treatment aimed at protecting the female, dental implantis used to replace the missing tooth. When the resection has a high chance of success, the function of the tooth can be preserved without the need for tooth extraction.

• Cost Comparison: Dental implants are usually more costly than apical resection because they involve many steps, such as tooth extraction, implant placement, and prosthetics.

Success Rates: Although the success rate of apical resection varies depending on the overall condition of the tooth, implants usually have a higher success rate in the long term.