Is dental root amputation always successful?

Dental root amputation, also known as root resection, is not always successful. The tooth may crack sometime after the procedure is completed, or the remaining tooth roots may become diseased. The surgical area also may become infected or lack proper bone support to keep the tooth in place. In such cases, the tooth would have to be removed and a permanent implant or removable dental bridge would be put in place.  

Dental root amputation is a procedure done on a tooth with more than one root, usually a molar. During dental root amputation, the dental surgeon cuts into the gums and removes the damaged root, while leaving the remaining healthy roots and crown. The goal is to leave as much of the original tooth in place as possible.

The success of dental root amputation depends partly on why the surgery was needed. A study in the Journal of Periodontology looked at the success rate of root resection on molars over a 10-year period. The study found that dental root amputations done because of periodontal (gum) problems had better results than those done for other reasons. The study also found that patients with the best results had bone supporting more than 50% of the tooth roots. The study warned that even after dental root amputation, gum disease often remains a problem in that spot, so it’s important to keep up with regular periodontal treatment.