[Retreatment Root Canal Treatment] A Case of Infection Spreading to the Maxillary Sinus After Root Canal Treatment in a Man in His 40s (Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic Microscopic Treatment)

Biography of Chief Director Jeon Jun-hee of Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic

Graduated from Seoul National University School of DentistryInternship and residency in Conservative Dentistry at Seoul National University Dental HospitalBoard-certified specialist in Conservative Dentistry by the Ministry of Health and WelfarePhD in Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University(Former/Current) Adjunct professor, Seoul National University School of Dentistry(Former/Current) Chief director, Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic

At Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic,

a story about a man in his 40s

who overcame maxillary sinusitis

and regained dental health

through retreatment root canal treatment.

Hello!

I’m Jeon Jun-hee, chief director of Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic.

Today, through the treatment case of a man in his 40s, I’d like to share how maxillary sinusitis and dental inflammation were overcome through retreatment root canal treatment.

The patient had been suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis and toothache.

The throbbing tooth pain that occurred while eating had now progressed to bothering him even when he was at rest.

First, we listened carefully to the patient’s pain history and performed a visual examination and imaging tests for an accurate diagnosis.

A case in which inflammation recurred in a tooth that had undergone root canal treatment.

The infection had spread to the maxillary sinus.

After checking the patient’s symptoms visually,

we performed imaging tests.

We first took a panoramic X-ray, which is like a group photo of the teeth, to identify the problematic tooth.

It appeared to be the molar at the far left of the upper jaw.

We took a close-up image of the tooth.

It provides richer and more detailed information than a panoramic image.

At first glance, it looks like the treatment was done well,

but the density and depth seem insufficient.

It appears that remnants of nerve tissue inside the tooth remained and caused inflammation.

The patient also complained of severe pain and even tooth mobility. The inflammation seems likely to be fairly large.

Inflammation in an upper molar can spread to the maxillary sinus (one of the paranasal sinuses, an egg-sized hollow space located below the cheekbone and connected to the nose), so we took a CT scan.

This is because the maxillary sinus is located very close to the tooth roots, and dental inflammation often leads to maxillary sinusitis.

The CT scan related to root canal treatment is covered by insurance, and the cost is a little over 20,000 KRW.

The examination showed that the maxillary sinus was filled with inflammation.

The patient had undergone root canal treatment in the past, but because the treatment had not been completed properly, the inflammation recurred.

Unlike ordinary treatment for maxillary sinusitis, sinusitis caused by a dental problem can only be cured by resolving the underlying

dental issue.

Then what exactly was the problem with the tooth?

(Why retreatment root canal treatment could be chosen instead of extraction)

It was because there was hidden nerve tissue.

Upper molars usually have 2 to 4 nerve canals inside the tooth.

In this patient’s case, although there were a total of four nerve canals, only three had been cleaned before the treatment was completed.

Even if not all nerve canals are found, there are cases where there are no obvious symptoms at first.

The problem is that it is discovered years after treatment.

The nerve tissue remaining in the untreated canal decays over time and infects the tooth.

As a result, an inflammatory pocket forms at the root tip, and if this is connected to the maxillary sinus, it can develop into maxillary sinusitis.

I explained to the patient the need for retreatment root canal treatment and provided detailed guidance on the procedure and prognosis. The patient also understood his situation and showed a willingness to actively proceed with treatment.

Finding hidden canals using a Zeiss microscope

The key to retreatment root canal treatment is improving the areas that were insufficient in the previous treatment. In this case, the treatment goal was to find the hidden nerve canal that had not been treated before.

As mentioned earlier, untreated canals are a major cause of later decay and inflammation because tissue remnants remain inside them.

At Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic, we use a Zeiss microscope to locate and treat even microscopic canals that are difficult to identify with the naked eye.

In this patient’s case as well, the microscope allowed us to discover the hidden canal and treat it carefully.

Because improving what was lacking in the previous treatment is directly linked to the success of retreatment root canal treatment, I always do my best to correct the shortcomings of the prior treatment and provide a higher level of care.

Follow-up through CT and regular X-rays, and a gradually improving course

Since retreatment root canal treatment is not completed in a short time, it is important to consistently monitor the treatment progress.

At Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic, we periodically take CT scans and intraoral X-rays for root canal treatment to track the reduction of inflammation.

In this patient’s case as well, regular examinations confirmed that the inflammation gradually decreased and the condition of the maxillary sinus improved.

The pain that had filled the patient’s face when he first visited gradually disappeared, and seeing his expression brighten also felt rewarding to me.

Checking the treatment progress together with the patient and sharing the positive changes are a great joy and source of motivation as a medical professional.

Helping natural teeth last longer,

Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic does it well.

The tooth mobility disappeared, and the patient’s discomfort while eating also decreased significantly.

The X-ray also showed a reduction in the inflammation around the tooth.

To confirm the diagnosis, we took a CT scan.

This is the CT scan taken before treatment.

A gray fluid-like image filling the maxillary sinus is observed.

A photo taken four months into treatment.

Like water draining from a sink, it can be confirmed that the inflammatory material filling the maxillary sinus has decreased.

We decided to end the treatment.

The rest is left to time.

Molar root canal treatment must be finished with a crown.

For front teeth, unless there are particular concerns (such as large cavities or fractures), a crown is usually not placed after root canal treatment.

However, for molars, considering the chewing force applied and the many years they must endure, they must be protected with a strong crown.

The male patient in his 40s chose a gold crown, which was less likely to break and felt comfortable when chewing.

Retreatment root canal treatment vs. implant

As we enter an ultra-aged society with an eye toward the 100-year lifespan era, it is very important to use natural teeth for as long as possible in good health.

Tooth extraction followed by an implant is a long-term treatment that takes several months, and implants can also be lost early due to gum inflammation or infection.

There is still no dental material that can perfectly replace the comfort and functionality provided by natural teeth.

Therefore, I recommend treatments that preserve natural teeth whenever possible.

Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic is a specialized clinic for advanced root canal treatment and retreatment root canal treatment, staffed by Chief Director Jeon Jun-hee, a specialist in Conservative Dentistry from Seoul National University.

We always welcome patients who are uncomfortable with previously treated teeth or prosthetics, as well as those who want to save their natural teeth.

Retreatment root canal treatment is a delicate procedure that requires patience from both the patient and the medical team.

At Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic, we constantly communicate with patients, do our best in treatment, and work to protect their natural teeth.

As in the case of this male patient in his 40s, retreatment root canal treatment can help restore maxillary sinusitis and dental health. We hope you do not give up and keep going with treatment, and do not lose hope that you can regain a healthy smile.

Shinchon Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic is

a specialized dental clinic for retreatment,

such as retreatment root canal treatment,

implant reoperation,

and remaking failed prosthetics.

Chief Director Jeon Jun-hee, specialist in Conservative Dentistry

The leading dental clinic in Shinchon,

Directions to Seoul Jaesaeng Dental Clinic

Exit 1 or 2 of Sinchon Station

3rd floor of Olive Young.

#RetreatmentRootCanalTreatment #MicroscopeRootCanalTreatment #SavingNaturalTeeth #SpecialistInConservativeDentistry #SinchonDentalClinic #SeoulJaesaengDentalClinic