Chris Castellano's Riverview Dental Blog
Serving Riverview, FL and all the surrounding areas

In some tooth extractions, particularly wisdom teeth, a small piece of the root (called a root tip or fragment) may break off. While this can sound alarming, it’s not always dangerous. When is it OK to leave a root tip? Small (2mm) , uninfected tips near sensitive areas (like nerves or sinuses) may be intentionally left in place if removal poses more risk than benefit. When should it be removed? If the root is large, infected, or causing pain or swelling , it should be extracted by a dentist or oral surgeon. Leftover root fragments can lead to infection, pain, or delayed healing if not properly managed. What to do if you’re unsure: Ask your dentist for post-op X-rays. Seek a second opinion if you have ongoing discomfort or weren't informed about a retained root.