The treatment of actinomycosis mimicking a retained root tip: a confusing case

Abstract

Actinomycosis is an infection caused by the actinomyces genus and is associated with trauma or previous infection. A 58-year-old male patient was referred from a private dental clinic for root extraction of the lower right molar. The x-ray showed fractured root-like material distal to the distal root of the lower right second molar. A biopsy during extraction of the root-like material was performed, which revealed a sequestrum with actinomycosis by a pathological examination. In this case, the radiopacity of the suspicious lesion was higher than that of the surrounding alveolar bone, which confused it with the root tip. The diagnosis of actinomycosis required long-term antimicrobial therapy, which is very different from simple extraction or removal of sequestrum.

Challenge dilemma of actinomycosis in the tongue: Review and case report

“…Table 2 show causes for such negative result, one of these is possibly attributed to technical difficulties in isolation of actinomyces bacteria in presence of other species. McHugh KE focus on the yellow sulfur granules which is the specific presentation and this should be declared for the microbiologist or pathologist for better result [ 50 , 51 ] seeming like those identified in several cases in the literatures [ 52 , 53 ]. No suppuration or fistula presence in our case makes it considered chronic type also it’s a slowly progressing nodule.…”

“…Actinomyces are mutual bacteria concerted in oral, pharyngeal and gastrointestinal tissues forming settlement colonizes. Trauma or previous infection can be pathway for activate infections in the soft or bony tissues by these colonies [ [2] , [3] , [4] ]. Cervicofacial region for actinomycotic infections are an important entity to the maxillofacial and otolaryngologist.…”

“Holes” in the Jaw—A Report of Two Cases of Periapical Actinomycosis

“…Poor dentition was potentially present in both of our cases and was likely a factor in causing periapical actinomycosis in both patients. Tooth extraction or significant gingival manipulation can also be associated with actinomycosis since disruption of the oral mucosa potentially exposes deeper gingival and periodontal tissues to the Actinomyces -rich oral flora [ 9 , 10 ]. While the mandible is the most commonly involved structure in cervicofacial actinomycosis, involvement of the maxilla is typically rare, accounting for only 5.7% in one review [ 11 , 12 ].…”