Radiology · single question
A 50-year-old has anterior pain, a 7 mm mesiobuccal pocket on #9, a short thick post deviated mesially, and slight bone radiolucency very close to a possible perforation. What should the dentist do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Extraction and implant
- A. INCORRECT. Retreatment is unlikely to succeed given the deep pocket and near perforation.
- B. INCORRECT. Replacing the post risks completing the perforation and does not resolve the periodontal defect.
- C. CORRECT. A deep isolated pocket with bone loss and an imminent perforation carries a hopeless prognosis, favoring extraction and implant.
- D. INCORRECT. Crown lengthening does not address the perforation or hopeless support.