Surgical Treatment of a Cemental Tear-Associated Bony Defect Using Hyaluronic Acid and a Resorbable Collagen Membrane: A 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A cemental tear (CeT) is a special type of surface root fracture that may cause periodontal and even periapical tissue destruction. Unfortunately, there is limited knowledge as to how these rare cases can effectively be treated. The present case is believed to be the first reported in the literature treating a bony defect caused by a cemental tear with hyaluronic acid (HA) and a collagen membrane. The aim of this case report is to present a regenerative surgical approach with clinical and tomographic success and stability at 2-year follow-up. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old patient presented with spontaneous pain and gingival swelling over his right central maxillary incisor. Radiographically, a radiolucent area was observed in the medial third between both central incisors. The tomographic evaluation showed a buccal bone dehiscence and a bony defect. Once the differential diagnosis with an endodontic-periodontal lesion and root fracture was performed, CeT was the presumptive diagnosis. During the exploratory flap surgery, a small root fragment (CeT) on the mesial side of the tooth was founded and removed. The bony lesion was treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) and a resorbable collagen membrane. At 2-year follow-up clinical, radiographic, and tomographic success was observed. CONCLUSION: A CeT-associated bony defect could be successfully treated after removing cemental fragments and performing a regenerative approach using HA and a resorbable collagen membrane.