During extraction of endodontically treated tooth #18, the crown fractures below the gingival margin but ABOVE the furcation. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Correct answer: B. Surgically section the tooth at the furcation and remove each root individually

• A. Incorrect. Delaying removal of retained root tips in an infected tooth is inappropriate management.
• B. Correct. Fracture ABOVE the furcation means the roots are still separate. The technique is to surgically SECTION the tooth at the furcation and remove each root individually using appropriate elevators for each root's anatomy.
• C. Incorrect. Immediate referral without any attempt may be needed for extreme cases, but surgical root sectioning is the standard next step here.
• D. Incorrect. Leaving retained roots in a grossly carious tooth is not acceptable — they are a source of infection.