Root fractures are a known surgical risk, not an automatic clinical failure. Handle them systematically:

• Visual Verification: Stop, achieve complete hemostasis, and dry the socket. Never work blindly down a dark, bleeding socket.

• The 5-Minute Rule: If a small apical fragment (under 2 mm) is non-mobile, shows no periapical radiolucency, and lies in dangerous proximity to the maxillary sinus or inferior alveolar nerve, leave it in place.

• Documentation: If leaving a root tip, inform the patient immediately, record the rationale in the clinical notes, document the lack of mobility, and provide a follow-up monitoring plan.