Pulp canal obliteration (also termedpulp chamber obliteration[1] orroot canal obliteration)[1] is a condition which can occur in teeth wherehard tissue is deposited along the internal walls of the root canal and fills most of the pulp system leaving it narrowed and restricted.[2]
The exact causes of pulp obliteration are unclear[2] but it typically occurs in response todental trauma,[1] especially following luxation injuries involving displacement, particularly if a tooth is replanted after being completely avulsed (knocked out)[3] This response is common in this scenario and typically starts to occur several months after replantation.[3] In other cases obliteration can occur if the tooth is drilled down extensively during dental treatment, e.g. duringcrown preparation.[2]
Signs and symptoms of obliteration include:
Most of the time this condition is painless[1] and is managed conservatively by monitoring the tooth with routine radiographs.[1] There is a small risk ofpulp necrosis.[2] Ifroot canal treatment is attempted it can be difficult or impossible on a tooth with pulp canal obliteration.[1]