[Apical access in the treatment of osseous lesions with periapical extension]

In deep pockets where the inflammatory lesion extends toward the apical region, effective scaling and planing are difficult to accomplish. The marginal portion of the root can be treated in the conventional manner by either the closed or open (flap) approach, while the apical portion of the root can be resected. The author suggests that this dual approach to therapy offers an improved prognosis in terminally involved teeth.