Evaluation of Apically Extruded Debris Using Continuous Rotation, Reciprocation, or Adaptive Motion.

The aim of this study was to compare the amount of apically extruded debris during root canal instrumentation using ProTaper Next (PTN), Twisted File (TF) Adaptive, and Reciproc instruments. Forty-five extracted human maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned into 3 groups. The root canals were prepared using PTN instruments with continuous rotation (n=15), TF Adaptive instruments with adaptive motion (n=15), Reciproc instruments with reciprocating motion (n=15). During the preparations, canals were irrigated using distilled water and material extruded apically was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. After a 5-day drying period in an incubator, the tubes were weighed and the dry weight of the extruded debris was calculated. Data distributions were assessed via the Shapiro-Wilk test, and groups were compared via the Kruskal-Wallis test. The greatest amount of debris extruded by TF Adaptive and the least by PTN, but the difference was insignificant between groups (p=0.259). All instrumentation systems were associated with debris extrusion.

Evaluation of apically extruded debris using continuous rotation, reciprocation, or adaptive motion

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the amount of apically extruded debris during root canal instrumentation using ProTaper Next (PTN), Twisted File (TF) Adaptive, and Reciproc instruments. Forty-five extracted human maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned into 3 groups. The root canals were prepared using PTN instruments with continuous rotation (n=15), TF Adaptive instruments with adaptive motion (n=15), Reciproc instruments with reciprocating motion (n=15). During the preparations, canals were irrigated using distilled water and material extruded apically was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. After a 5-day drying period in an incubator, the tubes were weighed and the dry weight of the extruded debris was calculated. Data distributions were assessed via the Shapiro-Wilk test, and groups were compared via the Kruskal-Wallis test. The greatest amount of debris extruded by TF Adaptive and the least by PTN, but the difference was insignificant between groups (p=0.259). All instrumentation systems were associated with debris extrusion.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a quantidade de detritos apicalmente extruídos durante a instrumentação do canal radicular usando os instrumentos ProTaper Next (PTN), Twisted File (TF) Adaptative e Reciproc. Quarenta e cinco caninos superiores humanos extraídos foram selecionados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos. Os canais radiculares foram preparados utilizando instrumentos PTN com rotação contínua (n = 15), instrumentos TF Adaptative com movimento adaptativo (n = 15), instrumentos Reciproc com movimento oscilatório (n = 15). Durante os preparos, os canais foram irrigados com água destilada e o material extruído foi coletado apicalmente em tubos Eppendorf pré-pesados. Após um período de secagem de 5 dias numa incubadora, os tubos foram pesados e o peso seco dos resíduos extruídos foi calculado. A distribuição dos dados foi avaliada pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk e os grupos foram comparados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis. A maior quantidade de detritos extruídos foi proporcionada pelo TF Adaptive e a menor pelo PTN, mas a diferença não foi estatisticamente significante entre os grupos (p=0,259). Todos os sistemas de instrumentação promoveram extrusão de detritos apicalmente.

Lasers in Apicoectomy: A Brief Review.

Since the invention of laser, various applications for lasers in endodontics have been proposed, such as disinfection of the root canal system, canal shaping, pulp diagnosis, and apico-ectomy. One of the major applications of laser in endodontics is apicoectomy. The aim of this article is to review the benefits and drawbacks of laser applications in apicoectomy, including effect on apical seal, effect on dentin permeability, effect on postsurgery pain, effect on crack formation, effect on root-end morphology, effect on treatment outcome, and connective tissue response to laser-treated dentin.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of endodontic microsurgery: 1 year versus long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery after 1 year of follow-up and over a period of 4 years. METHODS: The database of the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, was searched for patients who had undergone endodontic microsurgery and had been evaluated 1 year after surgery and over a period of 4 years. Two examiners independently evaluated the postoperative radiographs taken 1 year after surgery and over a period of 4 years using Rud's criteria. To analyze and compare the success rate based on the observation period, the McNemar test was performed with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 115 cases. Using Rud's criteria, the overall success rate of cases with 4 or more years of follow-up was 87.8% compared with 91.3% at 1 year of follow-up. There was no significant difference between the follow-up periods (P = .344). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the clinical outcome after endodontic microsurgery when comparing 1-year follow-up periods with longer follow-up periods.

Traditional endodontic surgery versus modern technique: a 5-year controlled clinical trial.

In this study, we compared outcomes of traditional apicoectomy versus modern apicoectomy, by means of a controlled clinical trial with a 5-year follow-up. The study investigated 938 teeth in 843 patients. On the basis of the procedure performed, the teeth were grouped in 3 groups. Differences between the groups were the method of osteotomy (type of instruments used), type of preparation of retrograde cavity (different apicoectomy angles and instruments used for root-end preparation), and root-end filling material used (gray mineral trioxide aggregate or silver amalgam). Outcome (tooth healing) was estimated after 1 and 5 years, postoperatively. Clinical success rates after 1 year were 67% (306 teeth), 90% (186 teeth), and 94% (256 teeth) according to traditional apicoectomy (group 1), modern microsurgical apicoectomy using burns for osteotomy (group 2) or using piezo-osteotomy (group 3), respectively. After 1 year, group comparison results were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Linear trend test was also statistically significant (P < 0.0001), pointing out larger healing from group 1 to group 3. After 5 years, teeth were classified into 2 groups on the basis of root-end filling material used. Clinical success was 90.8% (197 teeth) in the silver amalgam group versus 96% (309 teeth) in the mineral trioxide aggregate group (P < 0.00214). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that surgical technique was independently associated to tooth healing. In conclusion, modern apicoectomy resulted in a probability of success more than 5 times higher (odds ratio, 5.20 [95% confidence interval, 3.94-6.92]; P < 0.001) compared with the traditional technique.

Magnifying loupes versus surgical microscope in endodontic surgery: a four-year retrospective study.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the 4-year outcome of endodontic microsurgery using two different magnification devices. One-hundred and two teeth in 65 patients were included according to specific selection criteria. Endodontic surgery was performed under surgical microscope as magnification device in 63 teeth in 36 patients, while 39 teeth in 29 patients were treated under magnifying loupes. Thirteen patients did not attend the 4-year follow up. The overall success rate on a patient basis was 91.7% at the 1-year and 90.5% at the 4-year follow up for the group using loupes, while for the group using microscope it was 91.4% at the 1-year and 93.3% at the 4-year follow up. The relative risk was 2.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.31, 13.95) in favour of the group in which microscope was used. No statistically significant difference was found in the treatment outcomes relating to the type of magnification device.

Evaluation of root-end preparation with a new ultrasonic tip.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a new ultrasonic tip (Jetip) for root-end preparation. METHODS: A total of 80 single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated, and the apical 3 mm of the root apex was resected. Teeth were randomly distributed into 2 experimental groups according to the ultrasonic tips used to prepare the root-end cavity. Epoxy resin replicas of root-end surfaces after root-end resection were obtained. A root-end cavity was then prepared with an ultrasonic tip, either Jetip or AS3D. Replicas of the apices were fabricated after the retropreparations, and they were processed for analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the presence of microcracks and the quality of the root-end preparation. The morphologic characteristics of the ultrasonic tip were also assessed by SEM. The time required for root-end preparation was recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the Jetip and AS3D groups in the mean time for the root-end preparation, the incidence of microcracks, or the quality of the root-end preparation (P > .05). SEM analysis showed that Jetip exhibited smoothed microprojections after the root preparations, whereas the loss of diamond particles was observed in AS3D. CONCLUSIONS: Both Jetip and AS3D provided rapid and regular root-end preparations. The cutting efficiencies of both Jetip and AS3D decreased with the number of times the tips were used. The Jetip showed smooth microprojections after root-end preparation, whereas the AS3D tip exhibited the loss of diamond particles.

Evaluation of dental anxiety in patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery with laser treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety in patients undergoing apicectomy procedures performed with conventional instruments or an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients undergoing apicectomy were divided into two groups; roots were removed with an Er:YAG laser in group A (n=14) and with conventional instruments in group B (n=14). All patients completed preoperative State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI) and postoperative questionnaires. RESULTS: Although state anxiety, trait anxiety, and postoperative questionnaire scores were lower in patients undergoing Er:YAG laser treatment than in those treated with conventional instruments, the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical instruments affect the anxiety levels of dental patients. Even with the STAI scores being lower for patients treated with Er:YAG, use of the Er:YAG laser alone cannot contribute to the resolution of dental anxiety. A patient's individual condition is the major factor influencing that patient's anxiety level.

Clinical outcome in periradicular surgery: effect of patient- and tooth-related factors--a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of patient- and tooth-related factors on the outcome of apical surgery in a multicenter study. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 281 teeth in 255 patients undergoing periradicular surgery were investigated clinically and radiographically 6 to 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 88.0%. Sex was a significant (P = .024) predictor, with a success rate of 89.8% in females and 84.0% in males. The success rate was significantly higher in patients 31 to 40 years of age. The treatment of premolars resulted in a significantly higher success rate (91.9%) than the treatment of anterior teeth (86.1%, P = .042) and molars (86.4 %, P = .026). The loss of the buccal bone plate and the extension of apical osteolysis to the furcation area in molars resulted in a considerably lower success rate. Lesion size, preoperative pain, tenderness to percussion, fistula, and resurgery were significant factors. CONCLUSION: There are several factors influencing the success rate of apical surgery that must be taken into account when considering apical surgery as a treatment alternative.

Apicoectomy using Er:YAG laser in association with microscope: a comparative retrospective investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective clinical investigation intends to examine the effectiveness of an Er:YAG laser used in conjunction with a dental operation microscope for apicoectomy, in comparison with the traditional surgical procedure. BACKGROUND DATA: The Er-YAG laser has shown great potential in application to periapical surgery; however, clinical data are rare. METHODS: To this end, 78 patients who had undergone apicoectomy in a private dental office were selected; 41 patients were treated by the traditional surgical technique for apicoectomy and 37 patients were treated using an Er:YAG laser under microscopic control. The five cardinal symptoms of inflammation were taken as clinical parameters/examination criteria and evaluated after postoperative days 1, 7, and 180, where days 7 and 180 after the operation can be regarded as the customary times for follow-up controls at the private dental office. RESULTS: Microscopically guided, laser-assisted treatment seems to favor a better healing process overall. After the first postoperative day, redness and swelling of the operation area were significantly reduced (p<0.001 and p=0.0048). Seven days after the operation, all inflammation parameters were statistically significantly lower in the laser-treated group (p<0.05). On day 180, 6 out of 41 patients in the control group still displayed a disturbed function of the treated teeth, whereas none of the patients in the laser group experienced further complaints. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it can be ascertained that the use of an Er:YAG laser as an adjuvant tool in periapical surgery, with additional control by an operation microscope, displays significantly better results in terms of postoperative healing, in comparison with the conventional surgical treatment of apicoectomy.

Evaluation of apical preparations performed with ultrasonic diamond and stainless steel tips at different intensities using a scanning electron microscope in endodontic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to analyse (with the help of scanning electron microscopes) the quality of the dental root surface and the appearance of dental cracks after performing apical preparations using two different types of ultrasonic tips. STUDY DESIGN: We used 32 single-rooted teeth that underwent a root canal and apical resection. Afterwards, the teeth were divided into 4 groups of 8 teeth each, with preparations of the apical cavities in the following manner: Group 1: stainless steel ultrasonic tip at 33 KHz. Group 2: stainless steel ultrasonic tip at 30 KHz. Group 3: diamond ultrasonic tip at 30 KHz. Group 4: diamond ultrasonic tip at 33 KHz. The quality of the root surface and the presence of cracks were evaluated by one single observer using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: All of the teeth in our study had cracks after the apical preparations. The mean number of cracks per tooth ranged between 6. ± 1.9 (group 1) and 3.5 ± 2.4 (group 4), with a significantly higher number found in the groups that used stainless steel tips (P=.03). The types of cracks produced involved: 8 complete cracks (4.5%), 167 incomplete cracks (94.4%), and 2 intradentinal cracks (1.1%), with no significant differences observed between the different frequencies used for each group. CONCLUSIONS: Stainless steel ultrasonic tips provoked a larger number of cracks than diamond tips. The frequency of vibration used did not have any effect on the number of cracks found.

Temperature variation during apicectomy with Er:YAG laser.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the generated temperature of the Er:YAG laser, with three different pulse durations for apicectomy, compared with tungsten bur and surgical saw. BACKGROUND DATA: Apicectomy is an endodontic surgery performed to remove the root apex and curette adjacent periapical tissue because of lesions of the apical area that are not healing properly. METHODS: Sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were resected by three cutting methods: tungsten bur, surgical saw, and Er:YAG laser irradiation with three different pulse durations; pulse duration 50 µs, pulse duration 100 µs, and pulse duration 300 µs. Teflon-insulated, type K thermocouples were used to measure temperature changes during the apicectomy process. Data were analyzed using the general linear models procedure of the SPSS statistical software program. RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant difference for the mean values of temperature changes at 1 mm away to the cutting site of teeth, there was statistically significant difference among groups for the mean values of temperature changes at 3 mm away to the cutting site of teeth. Additionally, there was statistically significant difference among groups for the total time required for apicectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The laser irradiation with pulse duration 50 µs appears to have the lowest temperature rise and the shortest time required for apicectomy of the three pulse durations. However, Er:YAG laser for apicectomy in all pulse durations could be used safely for resection in endodontics in the presence of sufficient water.

Morphological features of the maxillary incisors roots and relationship with neighbouring anatomical structures: possible implications in endodontic surgery.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the root apex of the upper incisors and neighbouring anatomical structures as well as the morphology of the root-end foramen after apicoectomy. Fifty-seven patients requiring endodontic surgical treatment for a maxillary anterior root were enrolled. A preoperative diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan was analysed to determine: the distance between the anterior wall of the nasopalatine duct and the central (CI-ND) incisor root 4mm from the apex; and the distance between the floor of the nasal cavity and the tip of either the central (CI-NF) or the lateral (LI-NF) incisor root. After apicoectomy, root-end foramen endoscopic pictures were taken in order to characterize their morphology. Fifty-nine central and 26 lateral incisors were evaluated. The average CI-ND was 4.71 ± 1.26 (SD) mm. The average CI-NF was 10.62 ± 2.25 mm. The average LI-NF was 13.05 ± 2.43 mm. The foramen shape after apicoectomy was ovoid to circular in about 90% of cases in both central and lateral incisors. A sound knowledge of the anatomical relationships at the surgical site is essential for the clinician to perform a safe endodontic surgical procedure.

Removal of surgical smear layer.

INTRODUCTION: During apicoectomy and retrograde cavity preparation, a smear layer, which contains microorganisms and necrotic pulpal tissues, is formed on the dentinal surfaces cut by the instruments. Bacteria can survive and proliferate inside or below the smear layer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro two different procedures for the removal of the smear layer in retrocavities prepared with ultrasonic retrotips. METHODS: Twenty-eight single-rooted teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. The apical 3 mm of each root were cut with a carbide bur, and retrograde cavities were prepared with ProUltra ultrasonic retrotips (Maillefer Dentsply, Baillagues, Switzerland) at a depth of 3 mm. Teeth in group A were treated with a gel of 35% orthophosphoric acid for 15 seconds, and teeth in group B were treated with a gel of 24% EDTA at a neutral pH for 2 minutes. The samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopic observation and scored for the presence of the smear layer on the retrocavity walls. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the teeth in group A showed an optimal degree of cleanliness of the walls, with dentinal tubules completely open. The majority of analyzed samples coming from group B showed dentinal tubules covered with the smear layer. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the samples showed that orthophosphoric acid is more effective than EDTA in removing surgical smear layer even with less time of action.

Effect of guided tissue regeneration on the outcome of surgical endodontic treatment of through-and-through lesions: a retrospective study at 4-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the 4-year success rate of endodontic surgery in combination with a collagen resorbable membrane for the treatment of through-and-through periradicular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with one or more teeth with a through-and-through periradicular lesion in need of endodontic surgery were treated. A clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. The outcome was categorized at 1 and 4-year follow-up as success, failure, and doubtful depending on clinical signs and symptoms and radiographic evaluation. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate differences between successful and failed cases (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Forty-three teeth in 33 patients were radiographically and clinically evaluated after 4 years. Thirty-eight teeth were classified as success, 4 teeth as failure, and 1 tooth as doubtful. No statistically significant differences were found in results related to tooth type, tooth location, and presence of post. CONCLUSIONS: The association of endodontic surgery and guided tissue regeneration for the treatment of through-and-through periapical lesions leads to excellent outcomes up to 4 years. Standardized criteria are needed to determine the treatment outcome.

Influence of the parameters of the Er:YAG laser on the apical sealing of apicectomized teeth.

Failures in the sealing of the tooth apex have been considered to be responsible for most of the failures of apical surgeries. The Er:YAG laser has been proposed as an alternative for the use of rotator instruments in surgical endodontics due to its precision, lack of vibration, less post-operative discomfort, bacterial reduction, and less stress for patients and professionals. Following approval by the ethics committee, 12 extracted human canines without previous endodontic treatment with anatomically normal roots and free from apical lesions were washed in running tap water and disinfected. The teeth were sectioned axially at the crown-root junction and submitted to routine endodontic treatment. The apical limit was set at 1 mm before the apical foramen. The root canals were routinely filled with Gutta-Percha points and Sealer 26 and were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 6). In group I, apicectomy was performed with the Er:YAG laser (KAVO KEY Laser II®, Germany, λ = 2.940 nm, pulsed mode, 2051 tip, with air spray cooling, 250 mJ/15 Hz). Apical cut was performed of perpendicular mode 3 mm from the apical foramen. In group II, the same procedures and the same sequence as above was used, varying only the parameters of the Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/6 Hz). Sealing of the cervical end the apex was carried out with acrylic resin; the roots were covered by a layer of epoxy glue and two layers of nail polish. The specimens were divided into groups and fixed, by the cervical third, on wax. Impermeabilization of the residual root apical third was performed following the same procedures used in the cervical third but the residual apex was left free from the impermeabilization. After that, the roots were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution and placed in a bacteriological oven for 48 h and then washed in running tap water for 2 h. The samples were sagittally split into two parts. The segments were visually observed and the one showing the greatest level of dye leakage was selected and kept in an individual container and coded accordingly. Apical staining was measured using a stereoscopic magnifying glass, a compass, and a caliper. The measurement was performed by three endodontists, previously calibrated, and unaware of the sample coding. The results showed that group I showed the greatest level of dye leakage. There was a significantly difference between the groups (p = 0.001). It is concluded that the apicectomies carried out with 400 mJ/6 Hz showed the smallest infiltration value.

Apical surgery of a maxillary molar creating a maxillary sinus window using ultrasonics: a clinical case.

AIM: To describe a method of carrying out apical surgery of a maxillary molar using ultrasonics to create a lateral sinus window into the maxillary sinus and an endoscope to enhance visibility during surgery. SUMMARY: A 37-year-old female patient presented with tenderness to percussion of the maxillary second right molar. Root canal treatment had been undertaken, and the tooth restored with a metal-ceramic crown. Radiological examination revealed an apical radiolucency in close proximity to the maxillary sinus. Apical surgery of the molar was performed through the maxillary sinus, using ultrasonics for the osteotomy, creating a window in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. During surgery, the lining of the sinus was exposed and elevated without perforation. The root-end was resected using a round tungsten carbide drill, and the root-end cavity was prepared with ultrasonic retrotips. Root-end filling was accomplished with MTA(®) . An endoscope was used to examine the cut root face, the prepared cavity and the root-end filling. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. At the 12-month follow-up, the tooth had no clinical signs or symptoms, and the radiograph demonstrated progressing resolution of the radiolucency. KEY LEARNING POINTS: When conventional root canal retreatment cannot be performed or has failed, apical surgery may be considered, even in maxillary molars with roots in close proximity to the maxillary sinus. Ultrasonic sinus window preparation allows more control and can minimize perforation of the sinus membrane when compared with conventional rotary drilling techniques. The endoscope enhances visibility during endodontic surgery, thus improving the quality of the case.

Procedures of endoscopic periradicular surgery.

When a tooth with an apical lesion is identified, an apicoectomy is frequently performed when nonsurgical treatment is considered unfeasible or has previously failed. However, the treatment is usually difficult in molars. This article describes a minimally invasive procedure for removing a gutta-percha point under the maxillary sinus mucosa using an ultrathin arthroscope and a visualization approach in apicoectomy using an intranasal endoscope. These surgical techniques using endoscopes are minimally invasive and reliable procedures that provide limited incision and bone removal and respect the integrity of the maxillary sinus.

An in vitro evaluation of apicoectomies and retropreparations using different methods.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate: 1) the apical root surface, gutta-percha interface, and preparation time of root-end resections made with burs, ultrasound, or laser; and 2) the thickness of surrounding dentin after laser or ultrasonic root-end cavity preparation. STUDY DESIGN: 1) Thirty root-filled teeth were resected as follows: Zekrya bur in group I, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) ultrasonic tip (9.5107-8) in group II, and ErCr:YSGG (Waterlase) in group III. The preparation time was recorded. Replicas of the resected root-ends were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). 2) Thirty root-filled teeth were submitted to apicectomies and root-end cavities were prepared by using: CVD (6.1107-6) ultrasonic retrotips (group IV), EMS (DT-060) ultrasonic retrotips (group V), and ErCr:YSGG laser tips (group VI). Replicas of the root apices were examined under a SEM. RESULTS: There were no fissures or fractures on root-end surfaces. The bur produced the smoothest surface (P < .05). Group I had the lowest preparation time (P < .05). The best adaptation between the filling and the root canals walls was observed in group III, but it was not significantly different from group II (P < .05). No resected root-ends had cracks after preparation. Group VI showed the least minimum dentin thickness (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3 methods evaluated did not cause any injury to the root-end surface, but they harmed the apical adaptation. Laser tips removed more dentin than ultrasonic retrotips and should be used with care to avoid overpreparation.