ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Surgical management is intended to eliminate or block infection originating in the root canals. The root end is customarily sealed to prevent pathogenic products remaining in the root canal from reaching the periradicular tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiologic and radiographic outcomes of surgical treatment of periradicular pathosis associated with teeth with necrotic pulps. STUDY DESIGN: One tooth from each of 10 patients was root-end resected and root-end filled without prior root canal treatment. One year postoperatively, the outcomes were assessed radiographically and the root canals were sampled for bacteria. RESULTS: Radiographic examination showed complete or incomplete (scar tissue) healing in 5 teeth and uncertain healing in the other 5 teeth. Bacteriologic samples from the root canals were positive in 9 of the 10 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In teeth with necrotic pulps, treatment of periradicular pathosis by surgery and root-end filling may show radiographic evidence of satisfactory healing 1 year postoperatively. However, viable bacteria may persist in the canals, constituting a potential risk factor for recurrence of periradicular pathosis.
Subject(s)
Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology , Dental Pulp Necrosis/complications , Periapical Granuloma/complications , Periapical Granuloma/surgery , Retrograde Obturation , Adult , Aged , Apicoectomy , Bacteria, Anaerobic/isolation & purification , Dental Pulp Necrosis/microbiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radicular Cyst/complications , Radicular Cyst/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Thermal effects and antibacterial properties of an Nd:YAG laser were studied to establish clinically safe levels of energy to deliver into the root canal and to determine the energy level needed to sterilize infected root canals. The results indicate that lasing cycles of 3 J-s for 15 s followed by a 15-s recovery interval can be continued for prolonged periods without risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues. In vitro lasing of root canals inoculated with dark stained bacteria showed that two such lasing cycles sterilized only two out of eight canals, whereas when four cycles were used seven out of eight canals were sterilized. Guidelines for energy levels in endodontic Nd:YAG laser work are discussed, and base data for calculating appropriate energy levels are given.
Subject(s)
Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology , Laser Therapy , Sterilization/instrumentation , Enterococcus faecalis/radiation effects , Hot Temperature/adverse effects , Humans , Lasers/adverse effects , Neodymium , Root Canal Preparation/instrumentation , Sterilization/methods , Streptococcus/radiation effects , Temperature , Tooth Root/injuries , YttriumABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This prospective randomized study compared the outcome of retreatment and surgical intervention in root canal treated teeth with nonhealing periradicular pathosis. STUDY DESIGN: One such tooth from each of 38 patients was randomly allotted to retreatment or root-end resection and root-end filling. Treatment outcome after 1 year was evaluated and compared clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The success rate for surgery was higher than for conventional retreatment, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: For management of nonhealing periradicular pathosis associated with root canal treated teeth, surgical intervention should be considered as an alternative to retreatment. In cases with a similar prognosis for both modes of treatment, the choice should be governed by consideration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
