A Nonhealing Periapical Radiolucency

Abstract

Background: This case discusses a radiolucent lesion in the anterior mandible, which initially was thought to be due to endodontic failure. However, the final diagnosis was xanthogranuloma. Case description:We have reported a case of xanthogranuloma in the mandible found at the apices of two endodontically treated teeth. When present in the oral cavity, it can appear similar to several more common entities. While the radiolucent periapical lesion was thought to be the result of non-healing root canal therapy, the excisional biopsy yielded the diagnosis of xanthogranuloma. Removal of the lesion has resulted in excellent healing, as the surgeon expected. Practical implications:This case demonstrates the importance of biopsy in definitive diagnosis of oral lesions and lesions found at the apices of previously endodontically treated teeth.