What is root fenestration?
It is a localized hole or thin area in the bone covering the root, so the root surface is markedly visible through the bone. It is commonly seen in the buccal side of the teeth and mostly seen on the upper teeth region, mainly molar and canine regions.
In primary teeth which are also known as milk teeth, root fenestration can be seen because the bone plate or bone over that particular tooth is thin or absent because it is still developing. In periodontics and orthodontics, diagnosing root fenestration is important because it tells us about the malocclusion, trauma, positioning of tooth root and thin cortical bone covering the root.
Management:
It mainly depends on the size, symptoms and whether the defect is natural or it is caused due to the trauma or due to any prosthetic. Larger and symptomatic defects need to be surgically treated.
Treatments:
- When the defect is small and not showing any symptoms like pain and infection then it is being observed and follow-up is being scheduled.
- Flap repositioning and bone regeneration can be done as a surgical procedure.
- Bone grafting can be done.
Have you ever encountered such cases in children?
MBH/DB