Grey areas in restorative dentistry: part 7. Managing a tooth with a sub-optimal root filling

The restoration of a root filled tooth is a common procedure in dental practice and should only be undertaken after a thorough assessment of the existing root filling. Of the many root canal fillings that are seen, some will meet the requirements of an optimal filling, and some will be deemed sub-optimal. Some will detected following symptoms presented by the patient and some will appear on routine radiographic assessment. Some will have been present for many years and some for a relatively short period of time. The assessment and management of the sub-optimal root filling present challenges for the general dental practitioner; in understanding the limitations of radiographic appearance, in the ability to improve the existing sub-optimal filling, and in the restorative process required to bring the tooth to aesthetic and/or functional use. CPD/Clinical Relevance: All root fillings require thorough assessment and management.