Introduction:
A method to handle seemly bottomless sub gingival decay.
Before tooth #14
Tooth #14 is mobile but does provide some support for a metal upper partial. The tooth is asymptomatic. I was late with the camera so I do not have a pre op photo. Caries was deep sub gingival and progressed across the mesial.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1373/1595/files/1_920cfb9d-f814-4982-8203-b07e45a1b34c.jpg?v=1597080288%20art-step=)
U-Band
Greater Curve U-Band within the retainer. As can be seen in the photo the U-Band has a very exaggerated flare. The U-Band was designed with extra length so it will circumnavigate very large molars. [Please note, I have bent the tails of the band into the threads of the retainer to prevent cutting the patient's lip.]
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1373/1595/files/2_7e0585eb-1cf5-4281-954e-368c23bf1cb0.jpg?v=1597080288%20art-step=)
Band in place
I placed the retainer head at the distal to take advantage of the additional flare of the U-Band. I often discover hidden calculus when using the U-Band. In this case there is a sizable chunk of calculus on the MB corner.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1373/1595/files/3_47e4bef9-4d80-4a45-9303-13a33ae8bfdd.jpg?v=1597080288%20art-step=)
Fill completed
Fill done with bonded Activa. I had isolation and visibility.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1373/1595/files/4_142d8e1e-900d-44de-8b02-508c5ec7cf56.jpg?v=1597080288%20art-step=)
Final mesial composite
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1373/1595/files/5_5bf51607-8184-4109-b78c-04c3fa641ab4.jpg?v=1597080288%20art-step=)
Conclusion:
The tooth has furcation involvement. Patient aware the prognosis for his tooth is limited. Buying time.