Non-Surgical Endodontic Therapy as Treatment of Choice for a Misdiagnosed Recurring Extraoral Sinus Tract.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the treatment of an odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract with exuberant extraoral granulation tissue and its successful endodontic treatment and follow up with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In this case, a 31-year-old woman was referred for management of a reddish nodule on her chin. Previous surgical and antibiotic intervention by the dermatologist had not resolved the problem. Profound clinical and radiological examination (including CBCT) revealed apical periodontitis of tooth 32 to be the cause of the recurring cutaneous sinus tract. Conservative non-surgical root canal treatment was performed. With the aid of a topical corticosteroid and supplemental antibiotic therapy, healing of the apical periodontitis and resolution of the granulation tissue was evident after 1 year both clinically and radiographically. This case report emphasises the need for more awareness by dermatologists and other medical practitioners for the differential diagnosis of extraoral sinus tracts. Correct diagnosis of the dental cause can prevent unnecessary and multiple antibiotic and surgical interventions. Antibiotic therapy should never be administered without addressing the underlying dental cause. Conservative non-surgical endodontic treatment is the treatment of choice for an extraoral sinus tract of endodontic origin.