What is the recommended action for a tooth with persistent radiolucency two years after RCT?

In the context of a tooth that exhibits persistent radiolucency two years after root canal therapy (RCT), retreatment is recommended due to the ongoing signs of infection or incomplete healing indicated by the radiolucency. This suggests that the previous treatment may not have adequately resolved the issues, such as failing to remove all infected tissue or pulp remnants, or there may be additional complexities like lateral canals or unfilled spaces that were not addressed initially.

The process of retreatment allows clinicians to re-evaluate and address the canal system comprehensively. It involves the removal of the existing obturation material, careful cleaning and shaping of the canal, and then re-obturation. This step is vital because it provides another opportunity to manage any underlying pathology, eliminate potential sources of infection, and promote proper healing.

In cases where monitoring is suggested, it typically corresponds to scenarios where the radiolucency might be slowly resolving or there are no clinical signs of reinfection. Surgical options could be considered if retreatment fails or if there are anatomical considerations or root fractures. Extraction would be a last resort, usually reserved for teeth that cannot be retained after other methods have been exhausted or if there is significant structural damage that limits the tooth's viability.

By choosing retreatment