Question

The clinical crown of a previously traumatized tooth is discolored. Radiographically, the pulp chamber and the root canal space are obliterated, and the periodontal ligament space appears normal. The patient is asymptomatic, but the tooth does not respond to vitality testing. Recommended treatment is

A. root canal treatment only.
B. root canal treatment and apicoectomy only.
C. root canal treatment and apicoectomy with retrofilling.
D. apicoectomy with retrofilling only.
E. none of the above. No treatment is indicated.

Answer 1

For a discolored tooth with obliterated pulp chamber and root canal space, and a normal periodontal ligament space that is asymptomatic and non-responsive to vitality tests, no treatment is recommended unless clinical symptoms appear.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended treatment for a tooth with a discolored clinical crown, obliterated pulp chamber and root canal space, with a normal periodontal ligament space and no symptoms, but not responding to vitality testing is E. none of the above.

No treatment is indicated unless there are clinical signs of pathology. Discoloration and radiographically obliterated pulp spaces are signs of pulp canal calcification or pulp necrosis, which is a common response to trauma. Endodontic treatment is not immediately necessary if the tooth is asymptomatic and the periodontal ligament space is normal, which suggests that there is no ongoing infection or inflammation.