Root Amputation in Northern VA
Root Amputation
Root amputation is a specialized dental procedure, whereby one root is removed from a multi-root tooth. The tooth is then stabilized and rendered fully functional with a crown or filling. The multi-root teeth best suited to the root amputation procedure are the molars at the back of the mouth. These large flat teeth have either two or three roots depending on whether they are situated on the upper or lower jaw.
The general purpose of root amputation is to save an injured or diseased tooth from extraction. Most dentists agree that there is no better alternative than retaining a healthy natural tooth, and the root amputation procedure makes this possible. Dental implants, extensive bridgework and custom-made tooth replacements can be expensive and time-consuming. Generally, root amputation and the necessary crown work are less expensive and can be completed in 1-3 short visits.
Illustration shows tooth root tip inflammation with apicectomy. 3D rendering.
When is root amputation necessary?
It is important to note that root amputation can only be performed on an otherwise healthy tooth. Even in the case of a “key” tooth, extraction will be performed if the tooth is diseased, badly fractured or otherwise injured. Suitable teeth for root amputation have a healthy tooth surface, strong bone support and healthy underlying gums.
There are several problems that may lead to root amputation including:
What does root amputation involve?
Prior to root amputation, it is necessary to perform root canal treatment. The amputation itself involves cutting deep into the tooth where blood vessels and nerves are located. For this reason, the pulp of the tooth including these vessels and nerves needs to be removed before resectioning the roots. The root canal and amputation treatments will be performed under local anesthetic.
During the root amputation procedure, a small incision will be created in the gum to fully expose the roots of the affected tooth. The root will be sectioned off from the rest of the tooth and then removed. To kill any remaining bacteria, the whole area will be cleansed with saline solution, and then sutures (stitches) will be applied to seal the incision.
Finally, a temporary crown or filling will be placed to secure the tooth. Depending on the specific situation, painkillers, antibiotics and a medicated anti-microbial mouthwash may be prescribed. In 7-10 days, the stitches will be removed and the gum will have healed. Arrangements can now be made to place the permanent crown or filling.
Our oral surgeons have the experience and credentials you should look for when seeking oral surgery.
Dr. Patel is both a dentist and a physician, completing both his dental and medical degrees at Columbia University. Dr. Patel was also part of one of the first teams involved in CT guided dental implant placement at Columbia University.
Dr. Jungwirth pursued his love of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by completing an internship and residency at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, a program known across the country for its superb clinical training.
Less than 1% of 704,000+ dentists worldwide are Board Certified Oral Surgeons who have earned ABOMS Diplomate credentials.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Patel and Dr. Jungwirth average up to 20x the amount of continuing education credit hours required by the State of Virginia per licensing period.
Oral Surgeons serving the Northern Virginia area with locations in Lorton, Springfield & Mt Vernon, Virginia.
Regular dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. However, certain dental and facial conditions require more comprehensive care. Oral & maxillofacial surgery refers to a number of surgical dental procedures that treat a wide array of conditions that affect the head, neck, face, and jaw.
Lorton, Springfield & Mt Vernon Dental Implants & Oral Surgery are specialty dental offices in Northern Virginia that focus solely on providing oral and maxillofacial procedures. Our state-of-the-art offices are equipped to provide comprehensive dental surgery solutions for patients with diverse needs. From wisdom teeth extraction to dental implant placement, Lorton oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel is committed to helping patients gain healthy, fully functional smiles.
What are Common Oral Surgery Procedures?
While most patients are familiar with common procedures as wisdom teeth extraction, few are fully aware of the number of treatments that are considered oral surgery. Routine procedures, such as impacted/dead tooth removal, dental implant placement, and bone grafting are fairly common oral surgeries patients may encounter throughout their lifetime.
In addition to these common procedures, experienced oral surgeons may be called on for the following procedures:
Who can Perform Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeries?
While some general dentists may offer treatments such as tooth extraction, it is recommended that patients visit an experienced oral surgeon for all upcoming dental surgeries. In addition to general dental school, specialized oral surgeons must complete a minimum four year hospital-based surgical residency program followed by annual recertification. As a result, oral surgeons are highly trained, highly qualified specialists with a unique understanding of the face and mouth.
Snehal Patel, DDS
Dr. Patel is both a dentist and a physician, completing both his dental and medical degrees at Columbia University. He finished his residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. During his training, he participated with Healing the Children in the countries of Colombia and Ecuador treating children with cleft lips and palates. Dr. Patel was also part of one of the first teams involved in CT guided dental implant placement at Columbia University. Dr. Patel was born and raised in Philadelphia and went to Boston University for college. Dr. Patel and his wife enjoy spending time together and enjoy traveling.
Education
- Boston University
- Columbia University (DDS & MD)
- Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
Memberships
- American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Diplomate – American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS)
Michael Jungwirth, DMD
Dr. Michael Jungwirth was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and grew up in Keene, New Hampshire. He graduated first in his class at the University of Tennessee with a degree in neuroscience and associate research. During his undergraduate studies Dr. Jungwirth pursued his passion for the advancement of medical science by performing molecular and cellular biology research and publishing two manuscripts. He was also awarded a Goldwater Scholarship, a C.W. Fite Fellowship for Outstanding Professional Promise, and the William Harris III Undergraduate Research Award.
From there he attended the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he continued his passion for research and patient care. He received the Harvard Odontological Society Award for Excellence in Research, the Dr. Paul E. Boyle Award For Excellence in the Field of Oral Pathology, and several grants for his research on non-endothelial origin of midpalatal suture osteoblasts. Throughout his time at Harvard Dental School, Dr. Jungwirth made sure to give back to the community by serving as the treasurer for Operation Mouth Guard, an organization that provided mouth guards for underprivileged athletes. He also co-founded the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Introduction to Dentistry Course in order to inspire and guide the next generation of dental professionals.
Following his dental medicine training, Dr. Jungwirth pursued his love of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by completing an internship and residency at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, a program known across the country for its superb clinical training. He was honored to serve patients of all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds and make a difference in the community. He had the opportunity to serve as Chief Resident at University Hospital while training in Newark, New Jersey. He trained in full scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including implants, dentoalveolar, pathology, cosmetics, trauma, and TMJ surgery.
Dr. Jungwirth is excited to serve Northern Virginia at Lorton, Springfield & Mt Vernon Dental Implant and Oral Surgery. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his family and friends, hiking, skiing and travelling.
Education
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Facing Oral Surgery? Call our Oral Surgeons Today!
While some oral surgeons only accept referrals from general dentists, Dr. Patel and his team welcome self-referred and referral patients. Regardless of the treatment you need, our oral surgeon will work closely with your general dentist to plan upcoming surgery and follow-up care. For more information about getting a referral or scheduling an appointment, contact us. We look forward to treating you!
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