WEBVTT

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If injury or decay have damaged
 the root of a tooth, a root amputation

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may be the best treatment option
 to save the tooth and restore oral health.

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A root amputation is a surgical
 endodontic procedure

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used to remove a compromised tooth root.

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The procedure is typically performed
 on molars which have multiple roots.

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The roots of your teeth

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reach down into the jawbone,
 where they are securely held in place.

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If a dental root becomes infected,
 the infection can spread

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into the bone and require additional,
 more extensive treatment.

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Root amputation helps
 to prevent your supporting bone structures

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from becoming infected
 before performing a root amputation.

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Your dentist will consult with you

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about previous dental treatments
 and any pain you may be experiencing.

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Your dentist may also take X-rays
 to look at the problem area

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and determine whether a root amputation
 is the appropriate treatment.

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These X-rays will also help your dentist

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to pinpoint the exact location
 of the infection,

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which helps the treatment run smoothly
 and provide optimal results

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before the root itself can be removed.

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Your dentist will first
 need to perform root

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canal therapy to remove the soft tissues
 within the affected area

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and to ensure no infection
 has spread to the interior of the tooth.

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Once the tooth is prepared,

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the surrounding area
 will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

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A small incision is made in the gums
 to expose the root,

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which is carefully
 sectioned off and removed.

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Then the area is cleaned
 and the incision is sutured together again

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to stabilize the tooth.

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After treatment,
 your dentist will utilize a restoration,

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like a filling or a crown
 after your treatment is complete.

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You may experience some swelling
 or bruising in the treated area.

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These effects typically subside
 after a few days,

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and you can take over-the-counter
 pain medication to help

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relieve any discomfort
 during the healing process.

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It is important to be extra careful
 around the surgical site,

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avoid brushing around the area
 or rinsing too vigorously.

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Do not eat crunchy or hard foods
 that can poke the surgical site

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and avoid touching the stitches.

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Stitches are typically removed
 within seven to 10 days or once

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gum tissue is healed.

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If you have experienced a facial injury
 or developed a serious infection

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in a tooth root, amputation
 may be the best way to prevent the need

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for extraction and restore
 oral health and function.

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Talk to your dentist
 to learn more about your options.