Laser Doppler flowmetry - An aid in differential diagnosis of apical radiolucencies

Abstract

The case of a patient having 2 teeth with associated apical radiolucencies that responded to conventional pulp tests is presented. A decision was made to reexamine the patient at intervals rather than perform root canal treatment. During a recall visit, use of an available laser Doppler flowmeter allowed detection of blood flow within the affected teeth. A diagnosis of periapical cemental dysplasia (cementoma) was made. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:613-6)