What is the recommended treatment for a nonvital anterior tooth with periapical radiolucency?

Root canal treatment is the recommended approach for managing a nonvital anterior tooth with periapical radiolucency. This indication suggests that the tooth’s pulp has become necrotic, likely due to infection, trauma, or other issues. The presence of periapical radiolucency indicates a pathological process, often linked to the inflammatory response at the apex of the tooth.

By performing root canal therapy, the inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed, and the root canal system is cleaned and shaped to eliminate bacteria and other necrotic debris. The canal is then filled with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection and to seal the space. This procedure not only retains the tooth in its functional position but also addresses the underlying infection, allowing for healing of the periapical area.

In contrast, extraction would remove the nonvital tooth but fails to address the surrounding bone health, which may lead to further complications. Observation might be inappropriate since the situation warrants intervention due to the presence of a periapical radiolucency, suggesting ongoing infection or pathology. Antibiotic therapy alone would not resolve the problem since it does not address the necrotic pulp; while it may temporarily manage infection, it does not