The window approach for extraction of tooth root fragments: a different soft tissue management

Different techniques have been proposed for the removal of the apical portion of fractured teeth. The window approach was proposed in the past to remove a tooth root fragment through a buccal bone opening at the level of fragment. In the classical approach, a marginal triangular flap is elevated, only the bone overlying the fractured apex is removed and then the apex is pushed out by an elevator toward the alveolar crest. In this technique, the bone removal is minimal, and it does not involve the marginal bone so that patient’s post-surgical discomfort is reduced, and bone resorption is less. A different kind of soft tissue management for bone exposure is proposed here with a simple linear incision at the level of the root apex without any vertical incision. This kind of incision is simple and versatile, leads to a lesser discomfort to the patient and avoids un-aesthetic scar.