Primary molar with chronic periapical abscess showing atypical presentation of simultaneous extraoral and intraoral sinus tract with multiple stomata.

Chronic periapical abscess drains through a sinus tract either intraorally or extraorally. However, intraoral drainage is more common than extraoral in both dentitions. Nevertheless, the simultaneous presentation of extraoral and intraoral sinus tract is very rarely reported in primary dentition. This case report discussed the management of a girl aged 7 years with a chronic periapical abscess of tooth no. 85 with both non-healing extraoral and intraoral sinus tract having multiple stomata. Non-vital pulpectomy using calcium hydroxide paste intracanal dressing was performed initially until 2 weeks without remarkable healing; then antibiotic dressing consisting of a mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clindamycin was placed as an intracanal medicament for 1 week, which shows uneventful healing of both intraoral and extraoral sinus tract. This case report clearly indicates about how history, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of endodontic infection associated with sinus tract can be conservatively healed with endodontic treatment alone.

A Case of External Dental Fistula Related to a Fixed Cantilever Bridge.

An external dental fistula is a skin manifestation caused by an underlying dental problem. We report a rare case of external dental fistula associated with a fixed cantilever denture. A 77-year-old Japanese woman presented with an enlarging reddish granulomatous lesion on her right cheek that was diagnosed as an external dental fistula. A fixed cantilever denture had initially been attached to her upper jaw with her seven bona fide teeth. However, six teeth were completely lost and the denture was attached to only one tooth, which showed apical periodontitis. Subsequently, the external dental fistula developed. We should keep in mind that a patient with a fixed cantilever denture can suffer from apical periodontitis and a subsequent external dental fistula due to a failure to maintain appropriate oral hygiene.

Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract presenting as a growing cheek mass in the emergency department.

An odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract (OCST) is a rare extraoral sinus tract related to a chronic draining dental infection, typically apical periodontitis. OCST usually presents as an erythematous and non-tender nodule and often requires endodontic treatment for resolution of the sinus tract. If there is disruption of the mandibular cortex, it may be difficult to differentiate an OCST from a non-odontogenic malignant mass in patients without dental symptoms. This report describes a rare case of OCST presenting as a left cheek mass in a 21-year-old man which was initially diagnosed in the emergency department.

Cutaneous Sinus Tract from Mandibular Second Molar with C-shaped Canal System and Improper Former Root Canal Treatment: A Case Report.

Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of an extraoral cutaneous sinus tract originating in a mandibular second molar with a C-shaped root canal system. The patient was referred to our department by a dermatologist after a series of unsuccessful treatments, including antibiotics. Diffuse radiolucency on a preoperative radiograph revealed that earlier root canal treatment had been only partially successful. Consequently, we performed retreatment of the root canal comprising removal of the former restoration and gutta-percha, cleaning and shaping, and passive irrigation with sodium hypochlorite. The patient responded well, and the cutaneous lesion completely resolved uneventfully within 1 month postoperatively. Preoperative recognition and thorough knowledge of the root canal anatomy and conventional methods of obturation are necessary in performing successful endodontic treatment.

Endodontic treatment of trauma-induced necrotic immature teeth using a tricalcium silicate-based bioactive cement. A report of 3 cases with 24-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Pulp necrosis is the second most common complication after traumatic dental injuries and occurs mostly within the first 6-24 months of follow-up period, depending on the type of dental trauma. CASE REPORT: Three cases with endodontic treatment scenarios of trauma-induced necrosis in immature permanent anterior teeth. All cases were treated by full canal obturation with Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France) and documented for a follow-up period of 24 months. CONCLUSION: Copious irrigation of the root canal, minimal mechanical preparation, use of calcium hydroxide for a short period of time and complete obturation of these immature teeth with a bioactive cement with superior mechanical properties such as Biodentine were the prominent reasons attributed to the success of these three cases.

Extraoral cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin in the paediatric patient. A report of three cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: An extraoral sinus of odontogenic origin within the face and neck region is normally the consequence of long-standing chronic infection due to caries, trauma or periodontal infection. There is little reported literature on the prevalence of extraoral cutaneous sinus lesions in the paediatric dental patient as presentation is often delayed resulting in misdiagnosis and consequential mismanagement. CASE REPORT: The cases discussed concentrate on the aetiology, history, presentation and diagnosis of extraoral sinus lesions that presented in children referred to the Child Dental Health Department at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester over a six-month period. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of correct diagnosis and treatment management of an extra oral cutaneous sinus in the paediatric patient only occurred when the child attended a specialist led paediatric dental clinic for consultation.

Cutaneous Sinus Tracts of Odontogenic Origin: Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous odontogenic fistulas or sinus tracts are frequently misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, leading to unnecessary procedures and patient suffering. An understanding of the draining of cutaneous sinus tracts will lead to more appropriate treatment. Most cases respond to conservative, nonsurgical root canal therapy. Our objective is to report 2 cases of cutaneous sinus tract secondary to chronic periapical dental infection that were recently observed at our hospital. METHODS: We present 2 cases of recurrent suppurative facial lesions that were initially misdiagnosed and treated with oral antibiotics without response. RESULTS: Clinical findings included palpable facial nodules with drainage, palpable intraoral cords, and poor dentition with gingivitis; radiologic examination showed a periapical disease process consistent with dental sinus tracts. Both of the cases were referred to the maxillofacial department, where the cyst and nonrestorable teeth were extracted. CONCLUSION: Because patients with cutaneous facial sinus tracts of dental origin often do not have obvious dental symptoms, a possible dental etiology may be overlooked. If dental origin is suspected, the diagnosis is easily confirmed by dental examination and dental roentgenograms of the involved area. Early correct diagnosis, based on radiologic evidence of a periapical root infection and treatment of these lesions can help prevent unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic therapy or surgical treatment, reducing the possibility of further complications such as sepsis and osteomyelitis.

Incidence of post-obturation pain after single-visit versus multiple-visit non-surgical endodontic treatments.

BACKGROUND: Post-obturation pain is frustrating to both patients and dentists. Its incidence may change with the use of contemporary endodontic techniques. This randomised clinical trial aims to compare the incidence of post-obturation pain at one and seven days after single-visit and multiple-visit non-surgical endodontic treatments. METHODS: Patients who required primary endodontic treatment in the two clinical trial centres in Hong Kong (HK) and in Beijing (PK) were recruited. Three HK dentists and three PK dentists performed endodontic treatments on 567 teeth using the same procedures and materials, either in a single visit or over multiple visits, using either core carrier or cold lateral condensation for obturation. RESULTS: The attrition rate was 5.1%, and a total of 538 teeth were evaluated. Among these teeth, 232 (43%) were operated in HK, 275 (51%) were treated in a single visit, and 234 (43%) were treated using core carrier obturation. Logistic regression analysis showed that teeth with apical periodontitis (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.21-0.57, p < 0.01) and less pre-operative pain (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03-1.18, p < 0.01) had lower incidences of post-obturation pain after one day. The incidences of post-obturation pain after one day for single-visit and multiple-visit treatments were 24.7% (68 of 275) and 33.5% (88 of 263), respectively (p = 0.50). The incidences of post-obturation pain after seven days for single-visit and multiple-visit treatments were 4.0% (11 of 275) and 5.3% (14 of 263), respectively (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidences of post-obturation pain after one day and seven days with single-visit or multiple-visit endodontic treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IOR-15005989.

Treatment time for non-surgical endodontic therapy with or without a magnifying loupe.

BACKGROUND: Use of magnifying loupe may increase the efficiency of dental care. This clinical trial compared the time in performing non-surgical endodontic therapy with or without the use of a magnifying loupe. METHODS: Patients who required primary endodontic treatment in clinical trial centres at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong and Peking University (PKU) in Beijing were invited to participate in this study. Two HKU dentists and 2 PKU dentists, forming 2 pairs of dentists with similar years of clinical experience, performed endodontic treatments according to the same procedures and used the same materials, either in single or multiple visits. They had no prior experience with the use of a magnifying loupe. One dentist from each pair was trained to use a magnifying loupe (x2.5). The treatment time was recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-four PKU patients with a mean age of 42.8 years and 98 HKU patients with a mean age of 46.0 years were recruited in this study. Ninety-six teeth were treated with a magnifying loupe and 86 teeth were treated without a magnifying loupe. The results showed that treatment time was not associated with age, gender, tooth vitality, or the presence of apical radiolucency or sinus tract. The results of ANCOVA revealed the treatment time was associated with the clinic (HKU or PKU), root canal system (single or multiple), presence of preoperative pain, treatment visit (single or multiple), the use of a magnifying loupe, and the experience of the operator. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of a magnifying loupe could significantly reduce the endodontic treatment time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials ChiCTR-IOR-15005988 registered 15 February 2015.

Conservative treatment and follow-up of type III dens invaginatus using cone beam computed tomography.

Dens invaginatus is a well-recognized phenomenon, and its endodontic treatment poses a challenge, especially for peri-invagination lesions with vital pulp. Here we describe the outcome of conservative treatment and follow-up in a case of type III dens invaginatus. Cone-beam computed tomography was used for diagnosis and follow-up. Pulp vitality was preserved with endodontic treatment of only an invaginated canal. At the 24-month follow-up examination, the tooth was asymptomatic and repair of the lesion was evident radiographically. This case was managed successfully with endodontic treatment of the invagination. (J Oral Sci 56, 307-310, 2014).

Etiology and treatment of periapical lesions around dental implants.

The widespread use of oral implants in recent years has resulted in various types of complications. One of those complications is the periapical implant lesion. Different factors have been proposed to play a role in the development and emergence of a periapical implant lesion. To date, there is no consensus on the etiology and therefore periapical lesions around dental implants are considered to have a multifactorial etiology. The diagnosis of an implant periapical lesion should be based on both clinical and radiological findings. Additionally, in order to apply the best treatment strategy the evolution of the lesion should be taken into account. The treatment of this kind of lesion, however, is still empiric. Data, primarily from case reports, seem to indicate that the removal of all granulation tissue is a first step to arrest the progression of the bone destruction. The removal of the apical part of the implant seems a valuable treatment strategy.

Successful nonsurgical endodontic outcome of a severely affected permanent maxillary canine with dens invaginatus Oehlers type 3.

INTRODUCTION: The morphogenic complexities of dens invaginatus (DI) Oehlers type 3 in maxillary canines offer significant endodontic challenges. METHODS: A case report is provided of a 14-year-old female patient who presented with an anomalous-looking permanent maxillary canine associated with a sinus tract. Pulp testing revealed a normal response on the distal aspect of the tooth, whereas the mesial segment tested nonresponsive. A radiolucent lesion was seen on the mesiolateral radicular area adjacent to the severely distended pulp chamber. A gutta-percha point inserted into the sinus tract traced to this same region. The diagnosis was normal pulp coincident with DI Oehlers type 3 with pulp necrosis and chronic apical abscess. RESULTS: Despite a concerted effort to limit the root canal therapy to only the necrotic canal, its proximity to the normal canal obviated this possibility, entailing endodontic treatment of the entire root canal system. The necrotic pulp space was subjected to sustained irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and then completed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. A bolus of gutta-percha was used to create an apical barrier, and then the remainder of the enlarged pulp space was obturated with injectable thermoplasticized gutta-percha. At a 4.5-year recall, there was no clinical and radiographic evidence of infection. CONCLUSIONS: Endodontic success was accomplished with meticulous efforts of disinfection. Thermoplasticized gutta-percha can offer utility for obturation of anatomically complicated pulp spaces. The use of the dental operating microscope is an invaluable aid for discernment of the intricacies of teeth affected with DI type 3 variant and can enhance clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of microsurgery with SuperEBA as root-end filling material for treating post-treatment endodontic disease: a 2-year retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study assessed the effects of microsurgical treatment of post-treatment endodontic disease using SuperEBA (Bosworth, Skokie, IL) as the root-end filling material and evaluated the potential prognostic factors in relation to outcome. METHODS: Data were collected from patients diagnosed with post-treatment endodontic disease who then underwent endodontic microsurgery between April 2007 and October 2010. The effect was evaluated 2 years after the operation. Surgical procedures were performed by a single endodontic specialist. After surgery, operation records were recorded including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors from the clinical and radiographic measures. For statistical analysis of the predisposing factors, the dependent variable was the dichotomous outcome (ie, success vs failure). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with 101 treated teeth met the inclusion criteria. The recall rate was 87.2%. Of these microsurgically treated cases, the overall healing rate was 93.1%. At the 0.05 significance level, age, sex, tooth position, size of periapical radiolucency, biopsy result of periapical lesion, and presence of a sinus tract appeared to have no significant effects on the outcome (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical endodontic treatment using SuperEBA as the root-end filling material is a favorable option for post-treatment endodontic disease.

Histologic study of a human immature permanent premolar with chronic apical abscess after revascularization/revitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Histologic studies of teeth from animal models of revascularization/revitalization are available; however, specimens from human studies are lacking. The nature of tissues formed in the canal of human revascularized/revitalized teeth was not well established. METHODS: An immature mandibular premolar with infected necrotic pulp and a chronic apical abscess was treated with revascularization/revitalization procedures. At both the 18-month and 2-year follow-up visits, radiographic examination showed complete resolution of the periapical lesion, narrowing of the root apex without root lengthening, and minimal thickening of the canal walls. The revascularized/revitalized tooth was removed because of orthodontic treatment and processed for histologic examination. RESULTS: The large canal space of revascularized/revitalized tooth was not empty and filled with fibrous connective tissue. The apical closure was caused by cementum deposition without dentin. Some cementum-like tissue was formed on the canal dentin walls. Inflammatory cells were observed in the coronal and middle third of revascularized/revitalized tissue. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, the tissue formed in the canal of a human revascularized/revitalized tooth was soft connective tissue similar to that in the periodontal ligament and cementum-like or bone-like hard tissue, which is comparable with the histology observed in the canals of teeth from animal models of revascularization/revitalization.

Endodontic retreatment of dens invaginatus presenting with gutta-percha overfilling at the attached gingiva and chronic apical periodontitis: unusual clinical report.

AIM: This work describes the retreatment of an unusual case of dens invaginatus with gutta-percha overfilling at the gingival mucosa and chronic apical periodontitis in a 34-year-old woman. Initial periapical radiograph showed the presence of type II dens invaginatus with poor quality obturation, root perforation and chronic apical periodontitis of tooth 22. BACKGROUND: Dens invaginatus is a tooth malformation caused by infolding of the dental papilla during tooth development. This anomaly has been associated with increased prevalence of pulpal and periapical diseases. CASE DESCRIPTION: Conventional endodontic retreatment was performed using rotary files and calcium hydroxide paste as intracanal dressing. After 7 days, root canal was filled with guttapercha points and Sealapex® sealer. Obturation was radiographically followed and, after 3 years, absence of fistula and periapical radiolucency was observed, thus conventional endodontic therapy proved to be successful. CONCLUSION: Conventional endodontic retreatment of type II dens invaginatus has been successful for a 3-year period, showing a better treatment alternative. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conservative endodontic retreatment of dens invaginatus should be considered to promote periapical healing with complete reconstitution of bone and periodontal ligament regeneration without signs of recurrence over a period of 3 years. Moreover, it preserves the entire tooth.

Clinical, radiographic, and histological observation of a human immature permanent tooth with chronic apical abscess after revitalization treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Revitalization procedures have been widely used for the treatment of immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis. The treatment procedures appear to be capable of encouraging continued root development and thickening of the canal walls. The nature of tissues formed in the canal space and at the root apex after revitalization has been shown histologically in several animal studies; similar studies in humans were recently reported. METHODS: A 9-year-old boy had a traumatic injury to his upper anterior teeth. Tooth #9 suffered a complicated crown fracture with a pulp exposure, which was restored with a composite resin. The tooth developed a chronic apical abscess. Revitalization procedures were performed on tooth #9 because it was an immature permanent tooth with an open apex and thin canal walls. Twenty-six months after revitalization, the tooth had a horizontal crown fracture at the cervical level and could not be restored. The tooth was extracted and processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examination to identify the nature of tissues formed in the canal space. RESULTS: Clinically and radiographically, the revitalization of the present case was successful because of the absence of signs and symptoms and the resolution of periapical lesion as well as thickening of the canal walls and continued root development. The tissue formed in the canal was well-mineralized cementum- or bone-like tissue identified by routine histology and immunohistochemistry. No pulp-like tissue characterized by the presence of polarized odontoblast-like cells aligning dentin-like hard tissue was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The tissues formed in the canal of revitalized human tooth are similar to cementum- or bone-like tissue and fibrous connective tissue.

Long-term observation of the mineral trioxide aggregate extrusion into the periapical lesion: a case series.

One-step apexification using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been reported as an alternative treatment modality with more benefits than the use of long-term calcium hydroxide for teeth with open apex. However, orthograde placement of MTA is a challenging procedure in terms of length control. This case series describes the sequence of events following apical extrusion of MTA into the periapical area during a one-step apexification procedure for maxillary central incisor with an infected immature apex. Detailed long-term observation revealed complete resolution of the periapical radiolucent lesion around the extruded MTA. These cases revealed that direct contact with MTA had no negative effects on healing of the periapical tissues. However, intentional MTA overfilling into the periapical lesion is not to be recommended.

Exuberant Biofilm infection in a lateral canal as the cause of short-term endodontic treatment failure: report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: This article describes a case in which signs and symptoms persisted in spite of the endodontic treatment following high standards to characterize a short-term failure. METHODS: After several appointments of root canal treatment in an attempt to resolve persistent symptoms, including 106 days of calcium hydroxide intracanal medication, periradicular surgery was performed, and the root apex and the lesion were subjected to histologic and histobacteriologic analyses. RESULTS: The lesion was diagnosed as a cyst, and the main root canal was free of bacteria and debris. CONCLUSIONS: The cause of the short-term failure was an exuberant bacterial biofilm colonizing a lateral canal in the apical root segment. This case report highlights one of the major problems of modern endodontic therapy; bacteria located in areas distant from the main root canal can remain unaffected by treatment procedures and maintain disease. The challenge for researchers and clinicians that arises from this problem is to develop strategies, instruments, or substances that can reach those areas and achieve sufficient reduction in the infectious bioburden to permit predictable periradicular healing.