Residuals of Tooth Root

When residual tooth roots remain after a previous incomplete extraction, removal of the remaining root should be completed before other dental procedures.

Surgically removing a residual tooth root is usually a straightforward procedure. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area; additional analgesia may be offered if needed. An incision is made along the gum to raise a surgical flap so the bone around the root can be reached.

After the root is removed, and depending on the next step of care, a socket graft may be placed to limit bone resorption that begins after tooth loss, or the gum opening may be left to heal as after a wisdom-tooth extraction. An immediate or later dental implant may also be considered after clinical assessment.