Impacted teeth, due to systemic or local factors, represent a frequent problem in most populations. The authors present two techniques for conservative intervention: the apicotomy and the double traction (E. Puricelli). Apicotomy is a technique which has been successfully used for conservative intervention in cases of impacted upper canines with dilaceration or apical root-ankylosis. The technique aims at freeing the tooth from its dilacerated or ankylosed portion inducing, thus, its traction and eruption. It was initially indicated after failure of conservative techniques for inducing spontaneous eruption and orthodontic traction. At the moment, image examinations allow precise diagnosis and its indication as a first surgical therapeutic option. The technique is counter-indicated for young patients with incomplete rhizogenesis or for teeth with total root ankylosis. Double traction is a technique used for conservative intervention in cases of upper central incisor with crown-root dilacerations. The upper central incisor with crown-root dilaceration is diagnosed in teeth with sharp angles at the cement–enamel junction. The technique is indicated for young patients (less than 8-year-old) with incomplete rhizogenesis.

Conflict of interest: None declared.