After Pulpectomy: Obturation or Retreatment or Extraction?

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Dec 26, 2023
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Non-vital Tooth 21 received pulpectomy on 8 February 2024. Pulp was largely necrotic. Endodontist had diagnosed a periapical abcess...note that PDL was widened around the root.

90 days later, tooth 21 has not completely healed. PDL is still widened. Endodontist wants to obturate [don't know why] but does not want to add "more meds".

Should I look for another endodontist? Should I have it obturated and hope? I once read that such cases may need patience and that abscess healing sometimes takes 6 months.

Radiologist writes (2 May 2024):
Mild apical periodontal ligament space widening is noted, which suggests that tooth 21 was likely devitalized prior to the initiation of endodontic treatment. The obturation is presently limited to the coronal third of the root, and the canal within the apical and middle thirds of the root is heavily calcifed and not clearly visible radiographically.

There is also mild periodontal ligament space widening along the palatal aspect of the coronal third of the root of tooth 21. This may reflect endodontic pathology arising from a lateral canal or represent an early sign of a non-displaced root fracture. Correlation with the clinical signs and symptoms is indicated to assist in making this distinction.

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552584_Jurgen_Kraus_2024-05-02_folio_1ece8a42-b19a-4362-b221-87a9373bd653_pdf-2.jpg
 
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Dr M

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Perhaps seek a second opinion. Although if the tooth is obturated, it could take some time for the peri-apical area to clear up anyways. Single canal teeth are usually easily re-treated if complications arise at a later stage.
 

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Joined
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Perhaps seek a second opinion. Although if the tooth is obturated, it could take some time for the peri-apical area to clear up anyways. Single canal teeth are usually easily re-treated if complications arise at a later stage.
2nd opinion by what type of clinician? Another endodontist? A regular dentist?

All we have is a couple of radiographic images...and some symptoms...as the pulp has been removed.
 

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