A case report of a successful endodontic retreatment has earned foundation dentist Rikhil Ruparelia a Reciproc Motor Kit from QED in recognition of his outstanding entry into the Young Dentist Endodontic Award.
Rikhil was a final year dental student when he carried out the treatment which formed the case report.
The 29-year-old patient was not in pain but had brought to the hospital an inlay which had fallen off a previously root-treated tooth.
Rikhil identified rarefying osteitis in the apical region. He commented: ‘A diagnostic dilemma was faced as to whether this was a chronic apical periodontitis or simply a healing lesion.’
The radiograph identified a lateral canal that hadn’t been fully obturated, and he diagnosed apical periodontitis associated with this canal. The patient was asked to come back for a retreatment. This was carried out successfully and a gold crown placed on the tooth.
In his report, Rikhil said: ‘The presence of lateral canals in a large number of root canal systems, and the difficulties encountered in their management, could explain why many root canals can fail unexpectedly’
Established by the Harley Street Centre for Endodontics, the award celebrates the achievements of young dentists like Rikhil whose case study reflected careful diagnosis and evidence-based treatment planning, with a successful outcome.
Julian commented: ‘With more than 20 references supporting his clinical decision-making and a thoughtful diagnosis, this was a very impressive report of a retreatment by a young dentist. He has thoroughly earned the Reciproc Motor Kit.’