Intracanal corrosion of a silver cone producing a localized argyria: Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer analyses

Abstract

Two silver cones were removed from the root canal system of a patient with a localized argyria. Blue pigmentation was present at the mucogingival junction overlying the apex of the endodontically treated tooth. The severely notched cone was examined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX) analyses. Corrosive changes varied from mild to severe and covered the entire silver cone. Teeth obturated with silver cones may provide the etiology for pigmented lesions years after the completion of the root canal treatment and termination of a standard recall system. Two silver cones were removed from the root canal system of a patient with a localized argyria. Blue pigmentation was present at the mucogingival junction overlying the apex of the endodontically treated tooth. The severely notched cone was examined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX) analyses. Corrosive changes varied from mild to severe and covered the entire silver cone. Teeth obturated with silver cones may provide the etiology for pigmented lesions years after the completion of the root canal treatment and termination of a standard recall system.