Fig. 1

Description of the case

A 26-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of persistent pain while eating, despite having initiated root canal treatment at another dental facility. The patient reported no relief in pain following the initial treatment. Her medical history was non-contributory, and the tooth in question was identified as the left mandibular first molar (Tooth 36).

Clinical Examination Findings:

Tooth 36 was found to be tender to percussion, and an initiated access cavity was observed on the preoperative radiograph. The occlusal surface exhibited temporary filling material. Periodontal probing depths were within normal limits.

Fig. 2

Step wise Treatment provided

An inferior alveolar nerve block, supplemented with buccal infiltration anesthesia, was administered to achieve profound anesthesia. The tooth was then isolated using a rubber dam, and preoperative examination under the microscope was conducted.

  1. Gutta perchas within the root canal were removed using the Retreaty kit files in sequence specifically made for this purpose.

Profuse irrigation was conducted using 3% sodium hypochlorite to effectively cleanse and disinfect the root canal system (1).

Fig. 3

Step wise Treatment provided

2. Endodontic access was prepared through the existing restoration, and older gutta perchas were located.

3. Gutta perchas within the root canal were removed using the Retreaty kit files in sequence specifically made for this purpose. Fig 4 (Video 1 - 4).

4. Profuse irrigation was conducted using 3% sodium hypochlorite to effectively cleanse and disinfect the root canal system (1).

Root canal re-treatment protocol followed: 

Gutta percha were removed using Bully file from prefect endo (video 1). The files is designed to:

  1. Remove the bulk of GP from the coronal part of root canal.
  2. Effectively enlarge the coronal position of the root canal so that subsequent files do not have to encounter any stress while entering the root canal.

This file should never be taken to the complete Working length.

Once the GP was removed, 08K and 10K endodontic files were pre-curved and employed to negotiate the calcified canals (2). C+ files were additionally utilized to open the apically calcified segments of the root canals (3). These files were used with passive motion in the presence of irrigants (4). Upon successful negotiation of the calcified sections, the working length was determined using an electronic apex locator (5) and confirmed with a periapical radiograph 

Profuse irrigation was performed in between every instrument using 3% sodium hypochlorite for adequate disinfection. The glide path was established using Skinny file. 

Profuse irrigation was performed in between every instrument using 3% sodium hypochlorite for adequate disinfection. Ultrasonic activator was also used to activate the irrigant inside the canals (video 6)

The canals were finally shaped using ShapY 1, ShapY 2 file (video 3 and Video 4). 

These files were taken to the established WL.

Canal shaping with Shapy 2

Irrigation and activation

Master cone fit was checked clinically as well as radiographically and the canals were prepared for obturation. Obturation was performed using Calcium silicate sealer along with the Gutta percha cones (Fig 3) (video 3). Recommended single cone obturation technique was used with Calcium silicate sealers. The obturation was verified Clinically (video 5) and radiographically

Fig. 4

Radiographic verification of obturation

Conclusions

Endodontic success is contingent upon meticulous care and precision, with the root canal system serving as the foundation for effective treatment. A comprehensive approach involves four critical phases: thorough cleaning, precise shaping, effective disinfection, and achieving a complete three-dimensional obturation.

The success of this process hinges on a deep understanding that each canal within the root canal system requires careful attention. Failure to identify and treat all anatomical variations can leave residual microorganisms, leading to incomplete cleaning and shaping. This oversight can undermine the effectiveness of the initial root canal treatment and contribute to potential treatment failure.

The practice of endodontics blends scientific precision with skilled technique. Success depends on the ability to navigate the complexities of each canal, understanding its unique characteristics and responding accordingly. Mastery over these variations is essential for achieving a comprehensive seal and effective disinfection.

Endodontic retreatment is a critical procedure for addressing persistent or recurrent infection in previously treated teeth. It involves re-evaluating and revisiting the root canal system to rectify shortcomings from the initial treatment, such as missed canals, inadequate cleaning, or suboptimal obturation. Success in retreatment depends on careful diagnosis, thorough removal of the previous filling material, meticulous cleaning and shaping of the canals, and achieving a hermetic seal with proper obturation. By leveraging advancements in endodontic techniques and technology, retreatment can effectively resolve periapical pathology, preserve the natural tooth structure, and restore the tooth's function, offering patients a second chance at a healthy, pain-free dentition.

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