"Clinical Case of Conservative Retreatment of Compromised Tooth"

Abstract

This clinical case demonstrates the successful retreatment of chronic apical periodontitis complicated by iatrogenic Strip furcal perforation during root canal treatment (RCT), made by a dental student. Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the periradicular tissues caused by a microbial infection. The risks of retreatment, especially in obliterated root canals and student treatment, are significant. In addition, perforations can increase the chance of treatment failure. Factors that have impact include location and size of the perforation, potential microbial colonization of the endodontic system, the time between the occurrence of the perforation and its repair as well as the filling material. The clinical case could be further complicated by perforation in the risk zone, which makes the expected outcome of treatment rather unfavorable. For a long-term success it is important to disinfect and sterilize both the perforated area and the root canals. The result of this retreatment has been tracked for one calendar year in the present study. It concluded that the examined clinical case is an example of a favorable outcome of treatment of a complicated situation and also demonstrates the correct clinical approach in terms of student learning.