Root Stump Extraction

Root Stump Extraction

A root stump is the remaining part of the root of the tooth that remains in the jaw bone after the visible portion of the crown of the tooth has broken off or decayed. Root stumps can be found when the following happens:

• Severe tooth decay
• Trauma or injury
• Fractured teeth
• Failed dental restorations
• Advanced gum disease
• Teeth that have been broken before previous extractions.

In some instances, painless root stumps may persist for many years, and in others, the roots become infected and need treatment.

When is Root Stump Extraction Needed?

You might need the dentist to extract the root stump if:

• Persistent toothache
• Gum swelling, gum infection
• Recurrent dental abscesses
• Tooth fracture at the gum line
• Non-restorable tooth roots
• Difficulty chewing
• Root remnants that are affecting dentures, implants or orthodontics.

Signs of a retained root stump

Common symptoms include:

• Ongoing or recurring toothache
• Gums that is puffy around the affected tooth.
• Red or tender gums
• Bad breath
• Pus discharge
• Loose nearby teeth
• Difficulty biting
• Jaw discomfort

Sometimes retained roots are asymptomatic and are found when patients are getting regular, routine dental X-rays.

How to extract root stump of tooth?

When the upper portion of a tooth is gone and one or more roots still remain in the bone, a root stump extraction is performed. The procedure is carried out by a dentist or oral surgeon using local anaesthesia. The exact method will vary according to site, condition and accessibility of the remaining root.

Physical exam and X-rays were performed

The dentist will initially check the tooth and perform a dental X-ray, to verify the following:

• The remaining root size and shape.
• If it is infected or broken.
• The way it fits around adjacent teeth, nerves and the upper sinus (for upper teeth)
• The quantity of bone surrounding the implant.
• This assessment allows for a determination of the type of extraction required, simple or surgical.

Local Anaesthesia Administration

• A local anaesthetic is injected around the affected tooth to numb the area. The patient is conscious during the procedure, but should not feel pain – only pressure.

Loosening the Root

• If the root is visible above the gum line, the dentist uses a dental elevator to loosen it up. After the periodontal ligament has been separated, extraction forceps can be used for the removal of the root from the bone socket.

Surgical exposure (if required)

If the root stump is under the gum/bone, a surgical extraction is made:

• A small cut is cut in the gum.
• Gum tissue is gently rolled back to show the root.
• If there is a blockage of bone to access, a small amount of bone may be removed.

Sectioning the Root

• If the tooth is curved, long or has more than one root, a dental hand piece can be used to split the root into smaller parts. Smaller pieces will create fewer traumas to the adjacent bone and tissues.

Removal of the Root

• The root fragments that have been loosened are gently removed with elevators or special forceps. Your dentist makes sure there are no pieces of bone or tooth left in the area.

Cleaning the Socket

• Once removed, the socket is flushed with sterile saline to clear away infected tissue, bone fragments and debris. If the infection is found, the affected tissue will also be removed.

Suturing

• Dissolvable stitches or non-dissolvable stitches may be used to assist in healing and maintain the open extraction site if a flap was raised or if a large amount of tissue was manipulated.

Post-Extraction Care

A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site and the patient is asked to bite down tightly for 30-60 minutes to help stop the bleeding. The dentist will give you after care instructions which usually consist of:

• Taking the prescribed pain medicine or antibiotic (if required)
• For at least 24 hours, refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and drinking using a straw.
• Feeding soft foods for a couple of days
• Keeping oral hygiene and not over-rinsing during the first 24 hours
• Using ice packs to help with swelling

What can you expect the timeline for the procedure to be?

• Simple root stump extraction: 15-30 minutes
• Surgical root stump extraction: About 30 – 60 minutes (depending on complexity)

Recovery after Root Stump Extraction

• Most patients heal in 7-14 days, but complete healing of the bone can take several weeks.

During Recovery:

• Bite on gauze for 30-60 minutes.
• Place an ice pack over to minimize swelling.
• Use any medicines properly.
• For the first few days, eat soft foods.
• Don't smoke and don't drink.
• Do not wash the rudder and jib or other damaged areas with strong water at first 24 hours.
• Gently brush around extraction site.

Conclusion

A safe and effective dental treatment, root stump extraction is used to remove the remaining tooth root which is too decayed, broken or infected to be restored. Root stump removal at the appropriate time will alleviate pain, stop infection and prevent problems like abscesses, cysts, gum disease and infection of surrounding teeth and bone. The treatment can be a simple extraction, a surgical extraction with local anaesthesia, depending on the location and condition of the remaining root and causes little discomfort to the patient. Most people recover from surgery with a smooth trajectory in 1-2 weeks. When it comes to dental health, it is important to get immediate treatment for a retained tooth root from a qualified dentist to prevent further complications and improve the chances of successful future restorations like dental implants, bridges or dentures.

Root stump extraction in India GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
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• Help in choosing the Best clinics in India for Root stump extraction.
• Expert dentists with proven results in success. 
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
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• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
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FAQ

Is root stump extraction painful?

• No. This is done under local anaesthetic and should not cause any pain at the time of the extraction. There may be some discomfort or swelling after the procedure which can be controlled with prescribed pain medication.

What to eat after having root stump extraction?

• For the first few days, avoid foods that are hard to chew, like apples, oranges, nuts, meats, hard breads, crackers and hard rice. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, smoothies (no straw), applesauce and soft rice. Keep very hot, spicy and hard and crunchy foods away until the area has healed.

Should stitches be used following a root stump extraction?

• Surgical extraction and/or a cut in the gums typically require stitches. Most simple extractions do not need sutures.

Is it possible to leave a root stump untreated?

• Sometimes a symptom-free root stump can be followed but many of the stumps left in place eventually become infected or other dental issues occur. Whether to remove will be decided through clinical examination and X-rays by your dentist.

Is it possible to replace the extracted tooth once it has healed?

• Yes. When the area where the tooth was extracted has healed, your dentist might suggest a dental implant, dental bridge or partial denture for function, appearance and oral health.