The role of micro-endodontics in the management of complex root canal anatomy

Micro-endodontics has emerged as a critical component in endodontics, revolutionizing the management of complex root canal anatomy. It utilizes magnification devices, such as dental operating microscopes or loupes, to enhance visualization and identify intricate anatomical details. Micro-endodontics encompasses advanced techniques and technologies that are utilized alongside the principles of conventional endodontics. While both approaches share common goals of cleaning, disinfection, and obturation of the root canal system, micro-endodontics specifically focuses on managing complex root canal anatomy by utilizing specialized tools and techniques to enhance visualization, instrumentation, disinfection, and obturation. Ultrasonic instruments aid in negotiating challenging canal configurations and removing obstructions. Nickel-titanium rotary instruments offer flexibility and durability for efficient cleaning and shaping. Advanced irrigation techniques, such as ultrasonics and laser-activated irrigation, improve disinfection. Innovative obturation techniques ensure the thorough filling of intricate canals. Despite limitations like cost, learning curve, treatment time, and access limitations, micro-endodontics has a promising future. Technological advancements, minimally invasive approaches, biomaterials, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and interdisciplinary collaboration will further enhance micro-endodontics, improving treatment outcomes and expanding its scope in complex root canal anatomy.

Magnificación en la terapia endodóncica mediante el microscopio operatorio / Magnification in endodontic therapy through the operatory microscope

La microendodoncia involucra la visualización a través de un microscopio operatorio de todas las fases del tratamiento de conductos y procedimientos de cirugía apical y correctiva por parte del endodoncista. Existe sobrada evidencia acerca de las mejoras que puede aportar la magnificación al tratamiento; la literatura demuestra que la capacidad del operador mejora si su visión del campo gana claridad y precisión, ambos recursos pueden ser proporcionados por el microscopio operatorio, aunado a que posibilita diagnósticos más certeros junto con mejoras en el pronóstico, lo que permite evitar posibles complicaciones. La calidad de los tratamientos endodóncicos involucra infinidad de factores, cada uno relevante en sí mismo pero, en determinados casos, el microscopio puede significar la diferencia entre un tratamiento exitoso o un fracaso clínico. En la actualidad, se ha convertido en un tema de lo más relevante, por lo que el objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar la literatura con el fin de ayudar al entendimiento basado en evidencia científica de los criterios que determinan la relevancia del uso del microscopio en el ámbito endodóncico (AU)

Microendodontics involves the visualization through an operating microscope of all phases of root canal treatment and apical and corrective surgery procedures by the endodontist. There is plenty of evidence about the improvements that magnification can provide, the literature shows that the operator's ability improves if his vision of the field gains clarity and precision, both resources can be provided by the operating microscope, added to the fact that it enables more accurate diagnoses together with improvements in the prognosis allowing to avoid possible complications. The quality of endodontic treatments involves countless factors, each relevant in itself, but in certain cases the microscope can mean the difference between a successful treatment or a clinical failure. At present, it has become a very relevant topic, so the objective of this work is to review the literature in order to help understand the criteria that determine the relevance of the use of the microscope in the endodontic field based on scientific evidence (AU)

Consensus recommendations from Chinese experts on the standard operation procedure of dental operative microscope in endodontics and operative dentistry / 中华口腔医学杂志

Dental operative microscope has been wildly used in endodontics and operative dentistry for many years. Many progresses have been made by using operative microscope in improving the outcomes of root canal therapy, endodontic surgery and operative dentistry. However, in clinical practice, improper use of the dental operative microscope is not uncommon, the reason related to which is the operator's lack of understanding and mastering not only the properties but also the standard operative procedure of the dental operative microscope. To this end, in October 2019, the vice chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology, Chinese Stomatological Association, professor Liang Jingping, organized a group of professional experts in this field, convened a meeting about the standard operative procedure of dental operative microscope. Experts at the meeting had a very heated discussion and the consensuses were reached.