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About The Video
In this case presentation, Dr Ho Ying Yao examines a patient who came in with spontaneous pain from her upper right molar. The patient had previously undergone a partially completed root canal, leaving infection in the tooth. Using X-rays, Dr Ho identifies an infected area around the root, explaining how this infection can spread and cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
He then outlines two main treatment options — completing the root canal or extracting the tooth — and explores the factors that influence the decision. These include the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure, the need for a crown after treatment, and the long-term feasibility of keeping the tooth. Dr Ho also evaluates the tooth’s position in the bite and its limited height, both of which affect the tooth’s restorability.
Dr Ho highlights that the decision between saving and removing a tooth depends on its restorability, not just infection control. A successful root canal requires enough sound structure to support a long-lasting crown, but in this case, the remaining tooth was largely filled material with minimal healthy enamel and dentine. Its short height and tilted position made restoration difficult and potentially unstable.
Through this case, Dr Ho emphasises the importance of comprehensive diagnosis and patient-centred care. He explains that while saving a tooth is usually ideal, extraction may sometimes offer the most predictable and comfortable outcome. By carefully considering function, structure, and long-term prognosis, Dr Ho ensures that treatment decisions prioritise both immediate pain relief and sustainable oral health outcomes.
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