Root Amputation
Root amputation removes one root of a multi-rooted tooth while preserving the rest, saving a tooth that might otherwise need to come out. Performed at Arapahoe Dental.
A surgical procedure that removes one infected or fractured root of a multi-rooted tooth, most commonly molars, while keeping the rest of the tooth in place.
Through a small opening in the gum at the Boulder office, the affected root is removed and the remaining tooth structure is preserved. The tooth typically receives a crown afterward.
Root amputation can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, particularly when only one root is affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about root amputation.
Root amputation can save a multi-rooted tooth when just one root is damaged by decay, fracture, or infection while the rest of the tooth is still sound.
With the area numbed, the affected root is removed while the healthy portion of the tooth and its remaining roots stay in place. It's often paired with a root canal on the retained roots.
The procedure generally takes under an hour, depending on the tooth and how accessible the root is.
It's a tooth-preserving alternative to pulling the whole tooth. The remaining tooth usually needs a crown afterward to protect and support it.
Some soreness and swelling for a few days is expected, eased with rest and soft foods. You'll get aftercare guidance, and most people recover within a week.
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