Save Your Molars | Root Resection to Avoid Extraction — Tokyo International Dental Roppongi

Dr. Hiroshi Miyashita at The Tokyo International Dental Clinic treated the tooth with very severe periodontal disease. He tried to keep the tooth by cutting the bad root of the tooth.

Dr. Hiroshi Miyashita treated the tooth with severe gum disease by separating one of the root of 1st molar in the upper left.

Losing molars to periodontal disease or tooth decay is something everyone wants to avoid. At our clinic, preserving natural teeth whenever possible is our top priority, and we actively use the latest conservative treatments. In particular, root resection (root amputation/furcation resection) is a powerful option for saving teeth even in advanced cases. First, learn what options are available to you.

Our Experience and Track Record

Longstanding clinical practice: Consistent periodontal and conservative restorative care since the 1980s
Excellent outcome: Average tooth loss rate 2.8% (based on an average of 16 years’ follow-up at Tokyo International Dental Roppongi)
Widely trusted by many patients

The Director’s Expertise

Our director, Hiroshi Miyashita, received specialist training in periodontology and endodontics at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. We base our treatments on domestic and international conferences and the latest research to select the best approach even for difficult cases.

What is Root Resection?

Overview: A surgical procedure that removes part of a tooth root (typically the furcation area) to preserve the remaining healthy root structure
Main indications: Advanced periodontal disease, infections or root fractures that make retreatment difficult in molars
Benefits: Can avoid extraction, help preserve chewing function and maintain surrounding bone
Risks and considerations: Postoperative maintenance is essential; some cases may be better treated with alternative options

History and key studies

Originally used when periodontal disease destroyed bone up to the furcation area, root resection was reported clinically by Hamp at the University of Gothenburg in 1975.

When I became a dentist in 1986, I used root resection for certain patients to preserve teeth. At that time implants were not commonly performed, so saving even part of a tooth was very important.

In 1980 McFall reported long-term outcomes of periodontal treatment after 15 years; 11.4% of treated teeth were lost, of which 9.8% were lost due to periodontal disease.

Scientific Evidence and Our Policy

Recent clinical studies report the effectiveness of conservative treatments, including root resection. We develop treatment plans that prioritize patients’ quality of life (QOL) based on this evidence.

Our Clinical Approach (Trustworthiness)

We do not recommend unnecessary extractions
We balance patient preferences with the clinically optimal plan
We emphasize thorough postoperative maintenance and self‑care guidance

Treatment Flow (Brief)

Consultation and oral examination (X‑rays; CT if necessary)
Assessment of tooth‑saving potential and presentation of a treatment plan (benefits and risks explained)
Root resection procedure (plus endodontic or prosthetic treatment as needed)
Regular maintenance and self‑care instructions

Message to Patients

If you want to avoid losing teeth and keep as many natural teeth as possible, we offer the latest knowledge and extensive clinical experience to propose the best conservative treatments for you. Please feel free to consult with us.

References

Hamp, S. E., Nyman, S., & Lindhe, J. (1975). Periodontal treatment of multi rooted teeth. Results after 5 years. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2(3), 126–135.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051x.1975.tb01734.x

McFall Jr, W. T. (1982). Tooth loss in 100 treated patients with periodontal disease: A long‐term study. Journal of Periodontology, 53(9), 539–549.

https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.1982.53.9.539

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Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi

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