Cyst shown in rct

[Robert987]

Hi,

Around 20 years ago, I broke my front tooth and had a root canal treatment followed by capping. However, for the past year, I've been experiencing a persistent, dull pulsing pain inside the tooth.

After visiting the dentist, an X-ray revealed a patch above the previous root canal treatment, but I can't recall the exact shade. A week later, the root canal specialist informed me that it might be a cyst. They suggested a re-root canal treatment (re-RCT) with a 60-70% chance of success. The plan is to assess the situation after two weeks to determine if the cyst has resolved, and if so, proceed with capping the tooth.

I'm curious if there are alternative methods to remove the cyst, like surgical removal, drainage, or antibiotics. Another option I'm considering is leaving it as is, since the pain is bearable, but I'm worried it may worsen over time. The specialist mentioned that if the re-RCT doesn't work, they'll refer me to another specialist for a necessary surgical procedure, although I don't recall the specific name.

I'm feeling quite confused about how to proceed, and I would greatly appreciate any guidance or help you can provide.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Best regards,
Rob

 

[Dr M]

Good day

It sounds like the surgical procedure they were referring to, was an apicectomy. Although a re-treatment might be indicated to try and reduce the cyst size, it won't clear it up completely. The granulation tissue at the root apex should be removed or curetted as well. This is most likely the surgical procedure that will come next in my opinion. So in full, a re-treatment and an apicectomy is needed.

 

[Robert987]

Hi, thanks for your helpful advice, it’s really reassuring and I can’t thank you enough,

would you be able to advise on the uk cost of the apicectomy or is it included in the £600 re rct cost, the rct specialist I saw said he would refer me to another specialist for the surgery as he can’t do it,

Kind regards

 

[Dr M]

I am not too familiar with the fee structure in the UK. The only specialist that might be able to do both procedures is an endodontist or a general dentist with a special interest in oral surgery. Alternatively you are most likely looking at 2 different procedures that you will have to pay for separately.

 

[Robert987]

Ok thankyou so much, I’ve searched for a endodontist instead my current dentist, I’ll go ahead with the endodontist as they do both procedures just incase the cyst remains, once again thanks for clearing this up for me, kind regards, Rob