06/30/2026
Pretty bread and butter endo but had a minute to post yesterday's first and last cases, very different presentations and treatments, both great results:
First patient was having pain around a previously treated tooth--three canals had been filled in initial treatment (CBCT showed untreated second MB canal). There was a post in the palatal canal (well centered, and thankfully, metal!) and three plastic Thermofill carriers (not my favorite, but these came out fairly easily) to be removed. Previously treated canals were instrumented with Avalon BlueShaper Pros. The untreated MB2 was its own canal with its own exit (as seen on CBCT) and took a bit of effort to get to patency (D-Finders and Avalon SlimShaperPros for this one). GentleWave cycle was run, and buildup was placed.
Last patient of the day was referred due to deep caries. All endodontic testing was normal. Patient is in his early 20s. We discussed the range from direct resin to full root canal (with vital pulp therapy as an option, as well). Caries were fully removed, and no exposure was present. A direct resin was placed, and patient will be recalled in one year (or sooner if symptoms arise) to re-evaluate. I love doing root canals, but even more important is to do the best treatment for the given situation.
(It is painful obvious how bad my cassette-tape generation self is at making "pretty" posts, but the point is there!)
