What action is suggested if a radiolucency persists at the apex of the tooth 2 years after RCT?

• A. Monitor the condition
• B. Retreat the tooth
• C. Perform a surgical cleaning
• D. Extract the tooth

Answer: (B)

When a radiolucency persists at the apex of a tooth two years after root canal treatment (RCT), it indicates that there may still be an ongoing infection or that the initial treatment was not completely successful. In such cases, retreating the tooth is the most appropriate action. This allows for a more thorough cleaning and disinfection of the root canals, addressing any persistent bacteria or necrotic tissue that may have been missed in the initial procedure.

Retreatment typically involves removing the existing filling material, cleaning the canal system again, and then resealing it, which can promote healing and potentially allow the radiolucency to resolve over time. It is crucial to correct any issues related to the original treatment in order to improve the chances of achieving successful healing and restoring the health of the periapical tissues.

Monitoring the condition alone may not be enough, as it does not address the underlying cause of the persistent radiolucency. Surgical cleaning might be considered if there are specific indications for surgical intervention, but retreatment is generally the first line of action. Extraction of the tooth is more drastic and typically reserved for cases where other treatment options fail or are not viable.