Conservative esthetic management of post orthodontic treatment discolored tooth with calcified canal: a case report

¹Department of Conservative Dental Sciences and Endodontics, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, ²Department of Operative Dentistry, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan

^&Corresponding author
Muhammad Qasim Javed, Department of Conservative Dental Sciences and Endodontics, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction    

Calcific metamorphosis or pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is the pulpal response to trauma, characterized by rapid deposition of mineralized tissue in the root canal space. An array of factors such as dental trauma, carious lesions, abfraction, abrasion, pulp capping, occlusal imbalance, orthodontic treatment, harmful oral habits and natural aging can trigger PCO. The PCO is becoming increasingly common [1]. The presence of pulp necrosis after the PCO is reported in up to 30% of the cases [2]. Approximately 4-24% of the traumatized teeth develop varying degree of pulpal obliteration that is characterized by the apparent loss of pulp space radiographically and yellowish discoloration of crown [3]. Moreover, PCO increases the complexity level of the endodontic treatment and lateral/apical ramification of the main root canal create potential pathways through which bacteria can spread in the periapical area and remain unaffected by treatment procedures [4]. Post orthodontic treatment, complete PCO is a rare finding. Here we report the case of PCO following the completion of orthodontic treatment, its endodontic and esthetic management.

Patient and observation     

A 23 year old female patient presented with the chief complaint of discolored maxillary right central incisor. Patient gave the history of malaligned maxillary right central incisor and subsequent orthodontic treatment that was finished two years ago. The response to vitality tests was negative. On percussion and palpation test, patient reported mild pain. Digital periapical radiograph revealed right maxillary central incisor with obliterated canal and diffuse periapical radiolucency (Figure 1 A). The tooth had yellowish grey crown. Periodontal pocket depth was normal. A diagnosis of pulp necrosis and calcific metamorphosis was reached. After giving anesthesia and isolation, an endodontic access cavity was prepared at upper right central incisor with number 2 round diamond bur (Mani, Inc. Japan). The slit of the pulp chamber became visible and calcification was removed by using ultrasonic tip. Canal orifice was located with the help of endodontic explorer (DG-17). Patency of the canal was achieved with 08 K-hand file (Mani, Inc. Japan). The working length was measured with the radiographic method. After preparation of glide path canal was cleaned and shaped to size 30/.04 by using hyflex© CM file system (coltene). Irrigation was done by utilizing 3% sodium hypochlorite (septodont) and EDTA 15% (septodont), alternatively, with rinse of saline in between. The 27 gauge closed end side vent needle was used for irrigation. The canal was dried with sterile paper points. Obturation was done with Gutta Percha (GP) points and calcium hydroxide based sealer (sealapex, sybron endo) by using cold lateral condensation technique (Figure 1 B).

Subsequently, GP was removed 2-3mm apical to canal orifice and restorative glass ionomer cement (GIC) was applied on the obturating material to minimize leakage of bleaching agent. After placing rubber dam 35% hydrogen peroxide (opalescence® endo® ultradent gel) was injected into the chamber for the management of yellowish grey crown (Figure 2 A), followed by the placement of cotton pellet and sealing of access cavity with restorative GIC (vitremer, 3M). The process was repeated three times after the interval of five days. Desired results were achieved after the third visit and patient was satisfied (Figure 2 B). Subsequently, the tooth was permanently restored with resin composite after 7 to 10 days.

Discussion     

The psychosocial well-being of a person can be influenced by smile attractiveness. Tooth color has particular cosmetic importance and is readily perceived by people. In many cases just one discolored tooth can compromise the entire smile harmony [5]. Furthermore, accurate diagnosis of the etiology of discoloration is important prerequisite for conducting an adequate treatment [6]. This case report describes the management of anterior calcified and discolored tooth subsequent to orthodontic therapy. As compared to other complications of orthodontic treatment like root resorption, gingival recession and white spot lesions, tooth discoloration is a rare phenomenon; however, it may come to patients as a disturbance due to necrosis of pulp that may influence the doctor patient relationship [7]. The yellowish grey discoloration is a common finding in teeth with pulp canal obliteration but does not imply the presence of pulpal or periapical disease. Root canal treatment is indicated when there are clinical signs/symptoms and radiographic findings suggestive of periapical disease. However, root canal treatment of a calcified canal can challenge the skills of practitioners. Procedural errors can arise from overzealous inappropriate attempts to locate the canal. Large pulp stone can be dissected out of an access cavity using burs, but preferably by using special ultrasonic tips. Accordingly, in the present case a specific ultrasonic tip, start X™ #3 (dentsply maillefer) had been used which was meant for scouting of the calcified canal.

After endodontic procedure, intracoronal bleaching of discolored non-vital tooth offers advantages over more conventional treatments, veneers and crowns. Perhaps the most significant advantage is the conservation of the natural tooth structure. However, bleaching can have adverse effects. Possible localized adverse effects are on dental hard tissue/mucosa and risk of external cervical resorption. However, studies on vital teeth have shown that adverse effects appear not to be permanent [8]. Recently, carbamide peroxide has been recommended for use in intracanal bleaching. The study reported that 35% carbamide peroxide showed the lowest levels of extraradicular diffusion [9]. However, literature has supported the use of 35% hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent after placing cervical barrier and without heat activation for faster and long-term effects. Rotstein et al. [10] demonstrated that a 2mm layer of glass ionomer cement (GIC) was effective in preventing the diffusion of 30% hydrogen peroxide solution. Thus, the GIC should be used as a base during walking bleaching, later it can be left in place after bleaching and serve as a base for final restoration [11]. Moreover, studies have reported the enhanced efficacy of hydrogen peroxide for bleaching when compared with carbamide peroxide and sodium perborate. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster than carbamide peroxide, so it releases most of its whitening power within 30-60 minutes. Regarding the effects of the use of light source, there is no evidence that its use to activate the hydrogen peroxide enhances the whitening of tooth. However, 30% hydrogen peroxide that is caustic, in combination with heat source is likely to initiate the cervical resorption [11]. Therefore, heat use was avoided in the current case.

Conclusion     

The root canal treatment along with the walking bleach technique using 35% hydrogen peroxide can provide good results in discolored tooth with pulp canal obliteration. However, 2mm protective base as a barrier must be placed to avoid the initiation of external cervical root resorption.

Competing interests     

The authors declare no competing interests.

Authors' contributions     

Muhammad Qasim Javed conducted the study and reviewed the manuscript; Sumyya Saleh and Hamza Ulfat assisted in the case documentation and did the write up of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the final version of this manuscript.

Figures     

Figure 1: periapical radiographs of maxillary right central incisor: A) preoperative: calcified canal (blue arrow); B) obturation

Figure 2: A) preoperative picture with discolored tooth (blue arrow); B) postoperative picture

References