195k views
3 votes
A radiograph of a maxillary lateral incisor reveals a radiolucent area circumscribing the apex. The tooth does not respond to vitality tests. A sinus tract is present. In conjunction with endodontic treatment, the tract should receive

A. suturing.
B. cauterization.
C. antibiotic therapy.
D. no special treatment.
E. irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The sinus tract associated with a nonvital maxillary lateral incisor identified on a radiograph usually requires no special treatment during endodontic procedures since it should resolve itself once the source of the infection is addressed.

Step-by-step explanation:

A radiograph of a maxillary lateral incisor reveals a radiolucent area surrounding the apex, and the tooth does not respond to vitality tests, indicating that it's nonvital. Additionally, the presence of a sinus tract suggests an infection that has created a pathway from the infected root to the oral mucosa or skin. While endodontic treatment will be required to address the nonvital tooth and associated infection, the sinus tract itself typically requires no special treatment. It is a pathway for drainage that the body has created and in many cases, will resolve itself after the infection source, in this case, the tooth, is treated. The use of suturing, cauterization, antibiotic therapy, or irrigation with sodium hypochlorite is usually not necessary for the sinus tract during endodontic treatment.

User Bilal Akil
by
8.1k points