Radiographic Documentation of Implant-Supported Rehabilitation Following Endodontic Failure of a Mandibular First Molar: A Case Report
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Endodontic failure is a common cause of tooth loss and frequently requires extraction when persistent infection and associated pathology compromise long-term prognosis. Dental implants provide a predictable treatment option for replacing missing teeth while restoring function and esthetics. This case report describes the radiographic documentation of implant-supported rehabilitation following endodontic failure of a mandibular first molar in a 44-year-old female patient. Initial radiographic evaluation revealed a previously endodontically treated mandibular right first molar (tooth #30) associated with persistent periapical pathology and an unfavorable prognosis. The tooth was extracted, and ridge preservation was performed using a bone graft material and a barrier membrane. After a three-month healing period, implant placement was completed with radiographic verification of implant position and proximity to adjacent structures using a guide pin. Following osseointegration, restorative procedures were initiated after implant uncovering through a digital workflow utilizing an intraoral scanner, scan body, and laboratory-fabricated screw-retained zirconia crown. Sequential radiographs documented the diagnostic, surgical, and restorative phases of treatment, including extraction site preservation, implant placement, healing, and definitive restoration. The final outcome demonstrated successful implant-supported rehabilitation with satisfactory radiographic positioning and restor
Abstract
Endodontic failure is a common cause of tooth loss and frequently requires extraction when persistent infection and associated pathology compromise long-term prognosis. Dental implants provide a predictable treatment option for replacing missing teeth while restoring function and esthetics. This case report describes the radiographic documentation of implant-supported rehabilitation following endodontic failure of a mandibular first molar in a 44-year-old female patient. Initial radiographic evaluation revealed a previously endodontically treated mandibular right first molar (tooth #30) associated with persistent periapical pathology and an unfavorable prognosis. The tooth was extracted, and ridge preservation was performed using a bone graft material and a barrier membrane. After a three-month healing period, implant placement was completed with radiographic verification of implant position and proximity to adjacent structures using a guide pin. Following osseointegration, restorative procedures were initiated after implant uncovering through a digital workflow utilizing an intraoral scanner, scan body, and laboratory-fabricated screw-retained zirconia crown. Sequential radiographs documented the diagnostic, surgical, and restorative phases of treatment, including extraction site preservation, implant placement, healing, and definitive restoration. The final outcome demonstrated successful implant-supported rehabilitation with satisfactory radiographic positioning and restoration of function. This case highlights the value of radiographic assessment throughout implant therapy and illustrates a predictable treatment approach for replacing a mandibular first molar affected by endodontic failure.