Radix entomolaris: Management of vital pulp therapy failure

Fig. 1

An 11 years old male was referred from a pediatric dentist, complaining of symptomatic apical periodontitis in a mandibular first molar. The referring dentist provided the history of calcium hydroxide pulpotomy in this mature molar 2 months earlier without proper tooth isolation. 

Radiographic examination revealed the presence of a Radix Entomolaris (RE) and partial obliteration in the pulp space.

Access preparation was performed in the first visit under complete isolation. Negotiation of anatomy was not possible except in the DB root due to calcification. Therefore, a small field of view CBCT scan, with high resolution was requested.

Fig. 2

CBCT Assessment and treatment planning

Navigation of the axial and coronal views revealed that the patent part of the root canal was more than 10mm apical to the respective coronal reference point. This will necessitate deep troughing using adapted ultrasonic tips. 

Evaluation of the RE revealed an inter-orifice distance of more than 4mm from the main distal root components in the lingual direction. This location of the RE will need deep troughing with ultrasonics almost beyond the lingual contour of the tooth.

Fig. 3

Ultrasonic deep troughing:

A long .03 tapered ultrasonic tip is thinned using a metal polisher to reduce the taper and making it readily bendable and adaptable to the predetermined troughing sites. Deep troughing is made under high magnification until the orifices were clearly discernible.

Patency was confirmed using an apex locator and a #10 catheterization file.

Fig. 4

Shaping and cleaning of the mesial system:

The mesial root canals were shaped in a step-down manner using regressive tapered instruments to minimize dentin removal in the mesial root. Step-wise ultrasonic activation of sodium hypochlorite and EDTA was done interchangeably to reach the middle mesial fin as much as possible and in the same time facilitate shaping of the narrow root canals.

Fig. 5

Management of the radix entomolaris:

A modified ultrasonic tip was pre-bent in a lingual direction at the predetermined depth obtained from CBCT scan. Troughing was done under high magnification at an arbitrarily predetermined distance from the main distal canals, until a catch could be obtained with a DG16 explorer and a #8 catheterization file. Mechanical glide path was performed without the use of any manual files. Working length of RE was established at the final step of instrumentation.

Fig. 6

Instrumentation of the radix entomolaris:

Mechanical glide path was performed without the use of any manual files. Working length of RE was established at the final step of instrumentation. Cone fit and gauging was confirmed radiographically.

Fig. 7

Bioceramic sealer and warm gutta percha:

Obturation of the root canal system was done using warm gutta percha and a heat-compatible Bioceramic sealer. It has to be noted that careful adjustment of the heat pluggers setting and depth should be done so as not to cause alteration in the physical and chemical properties of the Bioceramic material.

Fig. 8

Post-operative data:

Mesial and distal shifted projections were used to obtain the post-operative image. Mesial projection revealed complex apical anatomy of the DB root. This image also shows the extremely deep troughing that was made to negotiate the RE.

The mesial projection showed that the coronal isthmus was adequately cleaned and obturated. The patient reported resolution of symptoms of apical periodontitis with 72 hours from obturation.