07/01/2026
Is it worth saving a third molar? 🦷🤔
Many would opt for the forceps, but for this 55-year-old patient, tooth 38 was a critical functional unit, her last posterior contact in the quadrant.
This case highlights three pillars of modern endodontics:
1️⃣ Precision: Using CBCT to map a 3-canal system in a wisdom tooth.
2️⃣ Technology: Waterlase (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser-activated irrigation to ensure maximum disinfection in a single visit.
3️⃣ Patient Management: Utilizing IV sedation to navigate significant dental anxiety.
Swipe through to see the 48-month follow-up showing complete apical healing. Evidence shows that with proper access and restorability, these teeth have success rates comparable to any other molar.
💬 Do you tend to save functional third molars, or is extraction your go-to? Let’s talk in the comments!
