Case 41 Lateral canal with apical curve

Pre operative x-ray #4

Patient was symptomatic.

Post operative x-ray #4

Note: Two lateral canals and curvature negotiated and obturated.

Comments: When contemplating root canal therapy on any tooth, curvatures can be problematic.  It is an ideal place for instruments to separate when the canal system is really small, this is a case that should be referred.  It was fortunate in this case the lateral canals were filled and a radial lucency can clearly be seen on a mesial aspect of this root. 

Case 40 Curvature at the Apex

Pre-operative x-ray #31 with
Positive/Negative reversed

Pre-operative x-ray #31

Patient was symptomatic and options were discussed; apicoectomy vs retreatment. Retreatment was the preferred option due to the location of the tooth.

Post - operative x-ray #31

Post-operative x-ray #31 with
Positive/Negative reversed

 Please note curvature of the apex.







Comment: The patient was symptomatic probably due to incomplete cleaning and obturation of the last 4-5mm of the mesial root which was extremely curved. With judicious cleaning of the mesial root and negotiation to the apex, a good fill is now noted. Prognosis is excellent.