Root submergence in maxillary anterior region: An alternative for unpredictable augmentation

Abstract

Alveolar ridge resorption following tooth extraction is a progressive and inevitable process, particularly critical in the maxillary anterior region where esthetics are paramount. Conventional approaches to restoring hard and soft tissue contours often yield unpredictable results, especially in recreating papillary form and ridge architecture. The root submergence technique (RST), which involves the intentional decoronation and submergence of nonrestorable teeth, aims to preserve the periodontal ligament and maintain surrounding tissue integrity. This case report presents two clinical scenarios in which submerged roots were retained beneath implant-supported fixed prostheses in the anterior maxilla. In both cases, careful case selection and precise execution of RST resulted in preservation of the interdental papilla, stable crestal bone levels, and harmonious soft-tissue profiles over a 1-year follow-up. These outcomes highlight the potential of RST as a biologically driven alternative to extensive ridge augmentation procedures, offering superior esthetic results in challenging anterior prosthetic rehabilitations. © 2025 Indian Society of Periodontology.