Fractured root tips during dental extractions and retained root fragments. A clinical dilemma?

• Published in: British dental journal Vol. 218; no. 5; pp. 285 - 290
• Main Authors: Nayyar, J., Clarke, M., O'Sullivan, M., Stassen, L. F. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 13.03.2015; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 692/700/3032/3086; 692/700/3032/3093; 692/700/3032/3099/3111; Dentistry; Humans; Medicine; practice; Radiography, Dental; Tooth Extraction - adverse effects; Tooth Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Tooth Fractures - etiology; Tooth Fractures - therapy; Tooth Root - injuries; Tooth Root - surgery
• ISSN: 0007-0610; 1476-5373
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.147

Key Points Discusses the present evidence base regarding the advantages and disadvantages of removing root fragments, which can occur during the extraction of teeth, compared to leaving them in situ . Outlines how a risk benefit matrix can be used by clinicians to determine the best course of action relating to fractured root tips during dental extractions. Root tip fracture can occur during the extraction of teeth. The clinician must then decide to either leave the root fragment in situ , or to attempt its removal. A similar decision is made when retained root fragments are found incidentally on oral radiographs. The prevalence of retained root fragments is reported as 11-37%. This article aims to highlight the risk benefit matrix of the removal or retention of retained root fragments, in light of the present evidence base.