Persistent pain related to root canal filling and apical fenestration: a case report

Endodontic treatments may give rise to persistent pain whose origin is sometimes difficult to determine. Although it is unusual, pain may occur due to apical fenestrations following endodontic treatment. If this occurs, the solution is surgical intervention. This surgical procedure consists of raising a flap to expose the fenestration, followed by curettage of any overextended canal filling materials that may be potentially irritating to the underlying mucosa, remodeling of the apex, and its repositioning below the level of the cortical bone. A case is described that illustrates this clinical situation. The case also demonstrates information that can be obtained from tomodensitometric films.