[Case report. Decompression of a periapical lesion of great size: an unconventional approach]

Decompression of a large periapical lesion: a modified approach. Management of large periapical lesions that resist conventional root canal therapy or that are interpreted as cystic in nature is somewhat questionable. Surgery with complete enucleation might be the most expeditious method of management. This approach however may create certain undesirable complications as compromising the vitality of adjacent teeth, jeopardizing their osseous support or resulting in nerve damage. These complications should be avoided whenever possible. A decompression technique can eliminate the disadvantages of enucleation by surgery. A number of techniques employing long-term drainage and depressurization have been described in the literature and have been proved to be clinically successful. The purpose of this case report is to describe a modified approach to the technique of decompression that has proved to be effective and quite comfortable for the patient.