Is Complete Canal Calcification Treatable?

IS COMPLETE CANAL CALCIFICATION TREATABLE?

Many would look at this case and think that it is impossible to treat. This patient reported a history trauma which caused accelerated calcification and subsequent devitalization and infection of the tooth in question. The process of calcification is actually a protective mechanism used by the pulp (or “nerve”) to protect itself against further trauma. Consequently, it can make root canal treatment extremely difficult for the clinician who has to treat it years down the road. Although the task is difficult, and sometimes seemingly unable to be done, the characteristic of the reactive calcified material is different and can be identified with proper experience and magnification. Here, we were happy to have been able to negotiate the root canal system to full length and achieve and ideal radiographic result. It may be worth noting that only the microscope was used in this case. CBCT was not used. Using knowledge of tooth anatomy, we were able to stay centered within the tooth. In cases like this, however, we may frequently take mid-treatment scans to verify location of the access in relation to the location of the where the canal is supposed to be.