Local Argyrosis of Oral Mucosa: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations

This paper describes an unusual clinical report of local argyrosis due to corrosion of endodontic silver point within the buccal root canal of an upper left second premolar. Localized oral pigmentation of the periapical mucosa was observed during routine dental check-up. The X-ray examination revealed endodonticaly treated tooth with overextended silver point and periapical resorption. Removal of the silver point using braiding technique and conventional retreatment were performed. The silver point observation revealed significantly corroded apical portion. Microleakage and galvanic reaction are possible hypotheses as to the reason for the degradation of the silver point and consequent local argyrosis. The diagnostic and treatment problems are discussed in details.