Root Fragment: Removal and Grafting of Defect

A patient presented with a chief complaint of a bad taste and pain localized to the UR posterior area of her implant-supported prosthesis which was placed a few years ago. A periapical radiograph suggested the presence of a root fragment adjacent to implant # 5.

A palatal full thickness flap confirmed our suspicion. The root fragment was removed, the defect was degranulated, and the implant surface was decontaminated with a Nd:Yag laser. DALI cortical cancellous particulate bone 3 was grafted within the defect and around the implant surface and a Neomem Collagen Membrane 4 was positioned over the graft extending onto adjacent native bone. The flap was replaced with chromic gut sutures and the area will be monitored for resolution of symptoms and regeneration of the bone defect.