PENCABUTAN GIGI DESIDUI ANTERIOR KANAN ATAS DENGAN ABSES PERIAPIKAL KRONIS

Abstract

Background: Primary teeth play a crucial role in mastication, phonation, esthetics, and guidance of permanent tooth eruption. Chronic periapical abscess in primary teeth represents a complication of long-standing pulpal infection and is often asymptomatic. In addition to dental caries, this condition may result from traumatic injury to the tooth and surrounding periodontal tissues, leading to progressive pulpal degeneration and eventual necrosis. Delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment planning may adversely affect periapical tissues and the eruption of permanent teeth. Extraction is a treatment option for primary teeth exhibiting significant mobility, recurrent infection, or poor prognosis for root canal therapy in cases of chronic periapical abscess, particularly when the tooth is approaching its physiological exfoliation period or when there is a risk of infection spreading to the developing permanent tooth germ. Objective: To report the clinical presentation, diagnostic basis, and treatment outcomes in a case of chronic periapical abscess of a primary tooth. Case report: A 6-year-old boy presented with a three-day history of painless gingival swelling in the upper right front area. Clinical examination revealed a primary tooth 51 with dentin-level caries accompanied by swelling in the mucogingival junction. Case management: Antibiotic therapy was administered to control the infection. Following resolution of the swelling, extraction of the affected primary tooth was performed under topical anesthesia using ethyl chloride. Follow-up evaluation demonstrated the absence of recurrent swelling or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Chronic periapical abscess in primary teeth may occur as a consequence of pulpal necrosis following traumatic injury. Comprehensive history taking, adequate infection control, and appropriate treatment selection are critical for successful outcomes. Extraction of non-vital primary teeth is an effective treatment modality with favorable clinical results and does not interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth.