Question

Patient: 22-year-old male is accompanied by their caregiver and presents to the dental office for a routine dental recall.

Chief complaint: The caregiver reports that the patient has a large cavity but has not observed any discomfort or symptoms by the patient.
Background/or patient history: Patient is an individual with profound intellectual disability and uses a wheelchair. Patient is non-verbal and requires assistance for transportation and everyday self-care activities including oral home care. Patient lives at home with parents and has a part-time home health aide.
Current Findings: A large cavitated carious lesion is noted on the upper left maxillary teeth (the occlusal surface of tooth #14). Patient is negative to percussion and palpation.
Clinical review of radiographs taken that day reveal radiographic evidence of extensive caries into the pulp and below the gumline. It is determined that the tooth is non-restorable and requires extraction. Radiographs also reveal a long mesial root.

The roots of the tooth you will extract could extend into the maxillary sinus
a. True
b. False

Answer 1

The roots of the tooth that requires extraction could extend into the maxillary sinus, which is a hollow space above the molars and premolars. This can complicate the extraction procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The roots of the tooth that requires extraction could extend into the maxillary sinus. This means that the roots of the tooth may reach or invade the maxillary sinus, which is a hollow space in the bone located above the molars and premolars. The maxillary sinus is usually filled with air, but if the roots of the tooth extend into it, it can lead to complications during the extraction procedure.