Case Report: Radicular Amputation as an Alternative to Tooth Extraction

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Restorative Dentistry
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Vertical root fractures (VRFs) are a common cause of tooth loss.
• Treatment options for VRFs are limited, often resulting in extraction.
• Conservative management strategies for VRFs are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of root amputation for a mandibular molar with a vertical root fracture.
• To evaluate root amputation as a conservative alternative to extraction for VRFs.
• To discuss the potential of root amputation in preserving natural dentition.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of a complete vertical root fracture in a mandibular molar (tooth 4.6) using clinical and radiographic findings.
• Surgical intervention involving root amputation of the affected mesial root.
• Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the treatment outcome.

Main Results:

• Successful preservation of the mandibular molar following root amputation.
• The treated tooth remained functional, avoiding extraction.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of root amputation in managing localized VRFs.

Conclusions:

• Root amputation can be a favorable therapeutic option for selected mandibular molars with vertical root fractures.
• This conservative surgical approach may lead to long-term preservation of natural teeth.
• Further research is needed to establish standardized criteria for root amputation in VRF cases.