Figure 1

(a) Intraoral view showing defect in the mesial wall of the third molar associated with bony defect distal to the second molar and local erythema. (b) Preoperative radiographic image showing mesially impacted third molar in contact with the distal surface of the second molar causing radiolucency at the contact point (dental decay). There is also slight periradicular radiolucency (inflammation) and dilation or thickening of the lamina dura.