Spontaneous resolution of a periapical lesion during orthodontic treatment: a case report

Teeth with periapical lesions can undergo successful orthodontic treatment, but conventional protocols indicate that such teeth should be endodontically stabilized prior to such treatment. A case report is presented where such endodontic stabilization was not possible, yet a chronic periapical lesion resolved as orthodontic treatment progressed. This paper will discuss the possible causes of the initial lesion, and reasons why it resolved without endodontic treatment. Clinical Relevance: This report illustrates the possible combined roles of trauma, occlusion and periodontal disease in the development of a perio-endo lesion, and how orthodontic treatment potentially relieved some of the exacerbating factors, thus enabling resolution of the infection without endodontic treatment.