Many patients decide too quickly to have a tooth removed when inflammation occurs in the area of the root tip. However, there are now modern, gentle procedures that can preserve the tooth in the long term.
One of the most successful methods is microsurgical root tip resection (MWR) – a highly precise procedure that saves the natural tooth in most cases.
Before
After
Tooth loss is always a significant disruption to the natural function of the dentition. Replacement with implants or bridges is more costly, more complex, and not always necessary.
After a classic root canal treatment, discomfort may persist. This is due to the complex, individually branched root canal system: not all bacteria can be completely removed.
The result is persistent inflammation in the area of the root tip – associated with pain, swelling, or chronic discomfort. Many patients then see extraction as the only option.
In MWR, the inflamed tissue at the root tip is microsurgically removed. Using magnifying glasses and an operating microscope, the root canals can then be thoroughly cleaned and sealed with biocompatible materials to prevent bacterial leakage – significantly more effective than with classic methods.
The procedure is based on the microsurgical techniques of Prof. Kim (University of Pennsylvania, USA). Characteristic features include minimally invasive access, the exact removal of only a few millimeters of the affected root tip, high-resolution imaging under up to 40x magnification, and retrograde preparation of the canals. The closure is performed with biocompatible materials that ensure a tight seal and enable complete bone healing.
The result is the permanent elimination of inflammation and the preservation of the natural tooth.
A microsurgical root tip resection may be indicated if:
The classic root tip resection achieves a success rate of only about 40%. With the microsurgical technique according to Prof. Kim, the success rate is over 90%.
The reason for this is the combination of state-of-the-art microscope technology, precise retrograde preparation, and bacteria-tight closure. This allows even the finest lateral canals or micro-cracks to be detected and reliably treated.
To reliably assess the long-term benefits of a therapy, we conduct systematic follow-up examinations. Patients who have been treated with this method usually present again after three months. If necessary, a further check is carried out after six months. In this way, it can be clearly determined whether complete healing has occurred at the root tip.
The result is precisely checked by X-rays: newly formed bone in the area of the root tip indicates that the chewing function has been fully restored. At the same time, patients report on their experiences during the healing process and provide information on the resilience of the affected tooth.
Only when both the radiological findings and the subjective feedback are convincing do we speak of a stable and lasting treatment success. In this case, after our approval, the teeth can be provided by the dentist with dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges or denture elements.
