Ridge preservation in cases requiring tooth extraction during endodontic surgery: a case report.

AIM: To provide a treatment option to endodontists performing surgery that will enhance ridge preservation when tooth extraction is required.

SUMMARY: A 47-year-old woman was referred to an endodontic practice for apical root-end resection of tooth 22 because of refractory periradicular disease. Radiographic examination revealed a large periradicular lesion, 5 mm in diameter and a root-end filling at the root apex. The treatment plan included exploratory surgery and apical root-end resection. A vertical root fracture was diagnosed and the decision was made to extract the tooth. The socket was grafted with a cancellous bovine bone and covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. Follow-up examination revealed favourable bone healing with formation of a new cortical plate and the preservation of soft tissue width and height in the aesthetic area.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: The principles of guided bone regeneration. Preserving or reconstructing the extraction socket. Enhances the ability to restore function and provide aesthetically pleasing restorations to patients without violating the predictability and function of the prostheses.