The crown of an RC treated tooth is fractured near the gingival margin. The coronal end of the silver cone used in filling that canal is visible at that level. Treatment is:
**Core Concept**
The question involves a clinical scenario where an RC (root canal) treated tooth has a fractured crown near the gingival margin, and the coronal end of the silver cone used in the filling is visible. The underlying principle being tested is the management of a tooth with a fractured crown in relation to a root canal filling.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In such a scenario, the presence of the silver cone indicates that the root canal filling is not coronally sealed, and the tooth is at risk of bacterial invasion and reinfection. The correct treatment is to remove the coronal portion of the filling, re-contour the filling material to create a coronal seal, and then restore the tooth with a crown to prevent further fracture and bacterial invasion. This approach ensures the long-term success of the root canal treatment.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Removing the entire root canal filling is not indicated, as it would compromise the integrity of the root canal treatment.
* **Option B:** Placing a new filling without addressing the coronal seal would not prevent bacterial invasion and reinfection.
* **Option D:** Leaving the tooth unrestored would lead to further fracture and potential loss of the tooth.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases where a root canal treated tooth has a fractured crown, it is essential to ensure that the coronal seal of the filling is intact to prevent bacterial invasion and reinfection. A coronal seal can be achieved by re-contouring the filling material and restoring the tooth with a crown.
**Correct Answer:** C.