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Can it be saved?

A 28 year old male was seen in our office with swelling in the buccal of tooth #19. This swelling was causing him pressure and discomfort. He was taking antibiotics that temporary eased his discomfort. Tooth #19 was Endodontically treated a year ago by another dentist. It was unclear as to what was causing his swelling. A CT scan was acquired to determine the issue.


The CT scan showed an area of low density in the furcation. This low density was absent an year ago when compared to the 2-D x-ray provided by his dentist. It was also unclear if the root resorption was evident at the time. The scan showed resorption on the distal of the mesial roots. It was also found on the mesial aspect of the distal root. This suggested that the cause of the resorption initiated from the furcation.

We recommended the patient get a biopsy. We determined that the tooth may not be salvageable due to the pathology and resorption. A follow-up with the patient is pending.

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