Endodontic treatment in submerged roots: a case report

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Periodontology

Background:

• Alveolar ridge resorption is a common consequence of tooth extraction, leading to loss of bone contour.
• Elderly patients with aged teeth and embedded roots pose a challenge for maintaining the masticatory apparatus.
• Traditional dental practices often recommended extraction of embedded roots, but modern endodontics offers alternatives.

Observation:

• Patients may present with aged, abraded natural tooth crowns and embedded roots within the alveolar bone.
• These patients, particularly the elderly, may not benefit from modern preventive dental practices.
• A clinical dilemma exists in preserving the masticatory apparatus for nutrition in such cases.

Findings:

• A case report details the use of vital and non-vital root submergence.
• This technique was employed as an alternative to extraction for embedded roots.
• The primary goal was to prevent alveolar ridge reduction.

Implications:

• Root submergence offers a viable strategy to mitigate alveolar ridge resorption.
• This approach can help preserve the masticatory apparatus, especially in elderly patients.
• It highlights a shift from extraction towards conservative endodontic solutions for preserving bone structure.