Endodontic Retreatment in Underfilled Root Canal of Maxillary First Molar with Chronic Periapical Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Background:The failure of endodontic treatment commonly caused by imperfect obturation, periodontalperiradicular
lesions, untreated root canals, and some other factors. The failure may trigger the occurrence
of secondary infections due to persistent. bacteria.One of the abnormalities that appear after endodontic
treatment is a periapical abscess.Endodontic failure can be overcome by endodontic retreatment, apical
surgery, or extraction. During an endodontic retreatment, endodontic instruments are used to remove the
root canal filling material and to repeat the steps of endodontic treatment to achieve the apical patency.
Purpose: This case report presents management to overcome the failure of previous endodontic treatment
with nonsurgical endodontic retreatment. Case: A 66 years old male patient came with a dull pain of
tooth no 16 and uncomfortable when used for chewing since 2 months after endodontic treatment. The
episodic swelling appeared since 3 months ago which then deflated.The objective examination showed a
positive response to bite test and percussion test. Intraoral periapical radiograph confirmed an underfilled
root canal, and a periapical radiolucency with a diffuse border on palatal root. Case Management: Based
on the patient’s history taking, radiographic, and clinical examination,endodontic retreatment was done
and followed by porcelain fused to metal crown restoration. Conclusion: Endodontic retreatment is the
appropriate treatmentoption to overcome the failure of the previous endodontic treatment that accompanied
with a periapical lesion and to preserve its function in stomatognatic system.