Accidental leakage of root canal filling material into the greater palatine canal diagnosed by a computed tomography scan: unusual complications after root canal therapy

作者：Murata Tsubasa^*; Ishikawa Makoto; Kyan Onodera Makiko; Kitagawa Yoshimasa

来源：Oral Radiology, 2016, 32(1): 66-70.

DOI：10.1007/s11282-015-0214-8

• Root canal filling material
• Greater palatine foramen
• Greater palatine canal
• Hypoesthesia

We report a case of accidental leakage of root canal filling material into the greater palatine canal through the greater palatine foramen, resulting in hypoesthesia of the palatal gingiva. A 48-year-old woman received root canal treatment of the upper left first molar in a dental office. Thereafter, the palatal root of the upper left first molar was removed because of continuous pain in the region. Because she suffered from swelling and numbness in the palatal region of the upper left molars after these treatments, she was referred to our hospital. On initial examination, diffuse swelling and hypoesthesia of the palatal gingiva in the left molar region were observed. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a radiopaque substance along the greater palatine canal from the left second molar. Leakage of the paste-type root canal filling material was suspected. Although we expected natural absorption of the material to occur, no change was observed after 6 months of follow-up. After surgical removal of the foreign body, the swelling in the palatal region disappeared. However, the hypoesthesia of the palatal gingiva remained. A small amount of residual foreign body in the greater palatine canal was absorbed after a few months. This report demonstrates that surgical removal of a large amount of excess filling material should be proactively considered if absorption of the material and symptomatic improvement are not observed during 2-4 months of follow-up.

• 出版日期2016-1