Radiology · patient case question
On a full-mouth series, one endodontically treated tooth shows a radiolucent space between the apical extent of the post and the remaining gutta-percha. This finding indicates:
Patient case: Ossifying Fibroma and Anterior Maxillary Radiolucency
demo: 31-year-old female
chief: Asymptomatic lesion noted on routine imaging.
history: Non-contributory.
meds: None
findings: A well-circumscribed lesion of mixed density is present in the posterior mandible (images below). On a separate periapical film of the maxillary central incisors, a well-defined radiolucency is seen between the roots of #8 and #9.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Improper post space preparation or cementation technique, leaving a void
- A. Correct. A gap between the post and the gutta-percha is a void created during post space preparation or cementation. It is a potential pathway for coronal leakage and bacterial recontamination of the seal.
- B. Apexification concerns the formation of an apical barrier in an immature tooth, unrelated to post placement.
- C. Secondary dentin is a pulpal response and would not create a radiolucent void around a post.
- D. Periapical healing is judged at the apex, not within the canal.