A healthy 45-year-old woman presented with mild pain in the area of tooth #12 (24). Upon examination, the clinician discovers a small cyst and a foreign body (endodontic material). The patient reports that tooth #12 (24) had previously undergone endodontic treatment, but no follow-up radiographs were taken a few months after the procedure. She experiences occasional pain and discomfort.
Using a minimally invasive vertical incision, Dr. Dudek performs a root resection of tooth #12 (24). After preparing the root canal it’s sealed with MTA. Removal of the cyst and the foreign body, and histopathological examination confirm the diagnosis of a radicular cyst.
Filling of the bone defect with 0.5 cc of Bond Apatite®. At the 12-month follow-up, we observe good bone remodeling and complete healing. The patient’s pain resolved within four days post-op.
Based on this case, Dr. Dudek recommends the vertical incision approach for treating small lesions like this one.
