A minimally invasive technique for primary tooth extraction: a case report

ABSTRACT Root resorption is characterized by the loss of cementum and / or dentin from the tooth root as a result of internal or external odontoclastic action. This case reports a premature cervical root resorption of deciduous teeth in an 8-year-old boy. Large root resorption on the mesial faces of the maxillary and mandibular right and left deciduous canines (teeth #53, #63, #73 and #83), with asymptomatic pulp involvement, was detected during routine radiographic examination for orthodontic planning. The patient was managed with extraction of the affected teeth using two different techniques: conventional and alternative. The conventional technique, forceps, was used for the maxillary and mandibular left canines (teeth #63 and #73). And alternative technique using the periotome device, usually required for extraction during dental implant surgery, was used for the maxillary and mandibular right canines (teeth #53 and #83). The periotome device showed to be an alternative to improve pediatric surgery due to better patient behavior and healing, and to reduced procedure length.