Pathology · single question
A tooth has silver point obturation with a periapical lesion. What is the CORRECT management?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Non-surgical retreatment: remove silver points, re-clean canals, obturate with gutta-percha
✓ B) Non-surgical retreatment first — remove silver points, clean/shape again, obturate with gutta-percha.
Silver points are an OBSOLETE obturation material: they corrode over time, don't adapt to canal irregularities, and can't be re-treated easily. When silver points fail (periapical lesion, symptoms), the protocol is: (1) NON-SURGICAL RETREATMENT FIRST — remove silver points (with Masserann kit or ultrasonic), re-clean and shape canals, obturate with warm gutta-percha + sealer; (2) If non-surgical retreatment fails → THEN apicoectomy (surgical). Never go directly to surgery if non-surgical retreat is possible. Sequence: non-surgical → then surgical if needed.
Silver points are an OBSOLETE obturation material: they corrode over time, don't adapt to canal irregularities, and can't be re-treated easily. When silver points fail (periapical lesion, symptoms), the protocol is: (1) NON-SURGICAL RETREATMENT FIRST — remove silver points (with Masserann kit or ultrasonic), re-clean and shape canals, obturate with warm gutta-percha + sealer; (2) If non-surgical retreatment fails → THEN apicoectomy (surgical). Never go directly to surgery if non-surgical retreat is possible. Sequence: non-surgical → then surgical if needed.