What should be done if a lateral radiograph shows a previous crown and PARL?

What should be done if a lateral radiograph shows a previous crown and PARL?

• A. Monitor frequently
• B. Perform root canal treatment
• C. Leave it alone
• D. Extract the tooth

Answer: (B)

In the context of a lateral radiograph revealing a previous crown and a periapical radiolucency (PARL), the best course of action is to perform root canal treatment. This is because the presence of a PARL typically indicates that there is an underlying infection or inflammation associated with the tooth's root structure. Root canal treatment is designed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the tooth, which can help eliminate the source of the infection and allow for the healing of the surrounding bone. The tooth, already bearing a crown, may have failed to maintain its health, leading to the PARL's formation. Thus, addressing the infection directly through root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth and prevent further complications. Monitoring frequently might miss the opportunity to address an ongoing infection effectively, while leaving the situation alone could allow the infection to exacerbate, potentially leading to more serious consequences, such as abscess formation or tooth loss. Extracting the tooth could be considered in certain cases, but it is typically reserved for situations where the tooth cannot be salvaged, making root canal treatment the preferable initial option in this scenario.

In the context of a lateral radiograph revealing a previous crown and a periapical radiolucency (PARL), the best course of action is to perform root canal treatment. This is because the presence of a PARL typically indicates that there is an underlying infection or inflammation associated with the tooth's root structure.

Root canal treatment is designed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the tooth, which can help eliminate the source of the infection and allow for the healing of the surrounding bone. The tooth, already bearing a crown, may have failed to maintain its health, leading to the PARL's formation. Thus, addressing the infection directly through root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth and prevent further complications.

Monitoring frequently might miss the opportunity to address an ongoing infection effectively, while leaving the situation alone could allow the infection to exacerbate, potentially leading to more serious consequences, such as abscess formation or tooth loss. Extracting the tooth could be considered in certain cases, but it is typically reserved for situations where the tooth cannot be salvaged, making root canal treatment the preferable initial option in this scenario.