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Can periapical cyst be treated without calcium hydroxide?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a root canal retreatment due to a periapical cyst. I had no symptoms but decided to be proactive. The doctor opened the canal and drained it. A week later, the doctor disinfected the canal and filled it in. He did not use calcium hydroxide at any time during the treatment.

He explained that there was no need for it because the canal looked clean. It has been seven months, but I have not checked the size of the cyst yet. Was the doctor correct in his decision, or was the use of calcium hydroxide necessary in my case?

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since you do not have any other complication during the procedure it was not needed to use a calcium hydroxide. Upon cleaning process and washing the canal vigorously with normal saline and hydrogen peroxide if pain disappears its fine to give sitting and then finally sealing it off. In your case as you do not face any further difficulty the periapical abscess must have healed and nothing to worry about. You will be fine.

In general, abscess cases are dealt with calcium hydroxide, no doubt in that. Pain is also a common factor. But your clinician must have seen promising improvements in the treatment so instead of placing the Calcium hydroxide and waiting for weeks, he completed the root canal. If possible kindly post if any previous X-ray of the tooth.

Hope I have clarified your query.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At July 21, 2020
Reviewed At July 13, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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