Mysterious pathology, fascinating anatomy & healing- a case of NSRCT of tooth 44 

Fig. 1

Intraoral examination-

On clinical examination, the following observations were made-

A draining sinus was observed buccally in relation with tooth number 44.

Fig. 2

There was no caries found on the tooth surface of tooth number 44 on any aspect. Only some stains could be appreciated in the fissures and grooves.

Fig. 3

Radiographic examination-

Pre-operative intraoral radiograph showed the following-

Straight view radiograph-

1. A large peri-apical radiolucent lesion could be seen with respect to tooth number 44.
2. In the deeper layer of the tooth, a radiolucency was observed.

Fig. 4

Angulated view radiograph-

On another pre-operative radiograph which was made with buccal tube shift technique, the following details were observed-

1. A circular, radiolucent lesion was seen in the dentinal layer approaching pulp.
2. Another whitish circular lesion was seen in dentin.
3. Mid- root split of one canal into two was seen. The root canal anatomy appeared to be 1-2 on the radiograph.
4. Periapical radiolucency was evidently present.

Fig. 5

Pre-operative CBCT

The following details could be confirmed with the help of cbct imaging-

1. Peri-apical radiolucency was observed with 44.
2. 1-2 canal configuration was confirmed.
3. Radiolucent circular area in deeper layer of the tooth was seen. The radiolucency could be indicative of external resorption
4. Bone resorption seen on bucco mesial side. Buccal cortical plate appeared to be disrupted in relation with 44.

Treatment Plan-

1. Non surgical RCT. 

2. Periodic follow ups

3. Patient was informed that in case healing is not initiated, then surgery could be thought of as an alternative.

Fig. 6

Preliminary procedure-

1. Local anesthesia- Inferior alveolar nerve block was given using 2% lignocaine with adrenaline  injection.
2. Rubber dam isolation- tooth number 44 was isolated using rubber dam isolation.
3. Magnification- The root canal treatment was done under a dental operating microscope for better visualization. 25X and 16X magnification was used during the treatment.
4. Access preparation was done. A conservative approach was adopted for the same.

Working length was determined using an electronic apex locator and was confirmed with radiographs.

Shaping protocol:

Coronal flaring was done.

Fig. 7

8k, 10k file was used to instrument the canal till in became loose in the canals.

Glide path preparation was done, then the canals were shaped up till 25-06%.

Calcium hydroxide dressing was placed in canals and temporary dressing was given.

Patient was recalled after one week. 

On next visit, it was observed that draining sinus had healed and pain had subsided.

Fig. 8

Irrigation protocol-

Throughout shaping, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used after each file. Side vented 30 gauge needles were used for irrigation.

After shaping, the following protocol in each canal, was used for irrigation and activation of irrigants-

 1) 17% EDTA – 1ml per canal was used which was activated with an ultrasonic activator. 

 2) Distilled water used to flush the canals.

 3) 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite was then injected in the canal, intracanal heating was done and was ultrasonically activated.

 4) Distilled water.

Obturation protocol:

Cone fit intra oral radiograph was made.

Canals were dried with paper points. 

Fig. 9

Canals were obturated with warm vertical compaction technique

Fig. 10

As a result of thorough irrigation and tri dimensional obturation, a lateral canal and apical delta was also obturated.

An anastomosis was also seen in between the two splits on post operative radiograph.

Fig. 11

At different angulations of the radiograph, different anatomy could be appreciated to on the post operative intra oral radiographs.

Fig. 12

Follow up

Follow up CBCT showed ongoing healing.

It was evident on the CBCT, that the peri-apical radiolucency had reduced considerably.

Fig. 13

It could be appreciated on immediate post-op radiographs, that the shaping and obturation was conservative in nature. Care was taken not to remove extra dentin of the root canal walls.

At the same time, irrigation protocol was not compromised. 30 gauge side vented irrigation needles were used, which could reach till apical third of the canals and thus irrigation solutions could perform its action properly.

Fig. 14

3 Month follow up-

3 month control, showed reduction in the size of the peri-apical radiolucency, indicative of ongoing healing process.

Fig. 15

The referring dentist, did the prosthetic rehabilitation of the tooth with a zirconia full coverage crown.

6 months follow up-

It showed further healing of the lesion.

The patient and tooth was absolutely symptom free.

1 and a half year follow up-

The tooth appeared to have completely healed at this time.