Periosteal grafts as barriers in periradicular surgery: report of two cases

AIM: To describe the usefulness of periosteal grafts as barriers for bone regeneration in periradicular surgery when advanced periodontal breakdown occurs. SUMMARY: The treatment of advanced periodontal breakdown as a result of an associated endodontic lesion constitutes a multifaceted challenge to the clinician. If the source of the irritation cannot be removed by orthograde endodontic treatment, nonsurgical and surgical endodontic/periodontal intervention may be required. Two cases with suppurative chronic apical periodontitis with apicomarginal communication are described. Clinical and radiological evaluations were completed immediately prior to surgery, a week later and every 2 months after surgery for 10 months. Both patients were treated using split-thickness flaps and lateral displacement of the periosteum prior to suturing, in order to close the communication between the oral and the periapical surroundings. A remission of the clinical signs and symptoms, and successful healing in the short-term were achieved in these cases. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Periapical and periodontal lesions are closely related through pathways of communication. Disruption of the cortical plate and the presence of dentoalveolar sinus tracts can have a deleterious effect on the regeneration process after periradicular surgery. The adoption of supplementary periodontal surgical techniques may help to solve some of the difficulties in the healing process in periradicular surgery. Periosteal grafts have been shown to have the potential to stimulate bone formation when used as a graft material.     

Removal of restorative posts for the purpose of nonsurgical endodontic retreatment: report of cases

Nonsurgical endodontic retreatment can be a successful treatment option, especially if the existing root canal therapy is technically deficient. It is the preferred treatment for most endodontic failures unless iatrogenic, restorative, or morphological factors dictate otherwise. A restorative post in the involved canal is usually considered an indication for apical surgery; however, in cases where nonsurgical retreatment is preferable to surgical management, many posts can be removed.     

Calcium hydroxide in endodontic retreatment after two nonsurgical and two surgical failures: report of a case

AIM: To describe the role of calcium hydroxide in infection control during complex endodontic retreatment. SUMMARY: A case is presented in which two conventional endodontic treatments and two surgical interventions failed to bring periapical healing. Despite this history, a further conventional treatment augmented by long-term disinfection with calcium hydroxide finally delivered a successful outcome. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Periapical healing follows proper intracanal infection control. Despite repeated surgical and nonsurgical intervention, careful retreatment can often bring healing. Calcium hydroxide has long-acting antimicrobial and soft-tissue dissolving activity. It is a helpful adjunct in endodontic retreatment.     

Orthograde retreatment and apexification after unsuccessful endodontic treatment, retreatment and apicectomy

AIM: To describe a case where a second orthograde retreatment was successful in the management of an infected mandibular right first molar that previously had received both orthograde and retrograde treatments. SUMMARY: Periapical surgery is unlikely to be successful unless the root canal system has been adequately debrided and sealed. A case is described where orthograde endodontic treatment, retreatment and apicectomy were unsuccessful in the management of and infected mandibular right first molar. The periapical radiolucency eventually disappeared following a second orthograde retreatment. Teh second retreatment included 12 months of intracanal calcium hydroxide placement to promote apexification, thus allowing subsequent controlled obturation with gutta percha and AH26. At a 5-year review following completion of treatment, the tooth remained asymptomatic and was in normal function. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Orthograde retreatment is a treatment option to manage refractory lesions in teeth that have previously received endodontic treatment, retreatment and apicectomy. Orthograde retreatment using long-term intracanal calcium hydroxide can help promote root-end closure of a resected apex.     

A new technique for nonsurgical retreatment of teeth with amalgam root end fillings: case series

Introduction

The objective of this article was to show an alternative clinical approach to retreating teeth having had prior combined nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatment with retrograde amalgam fillings. Nonsurgical retreatment performed alone has historically presented numerous challenges for the clinician and an uncertain outcome for the patient. Surgical retreatment has the potential disadvantages of additional root shortening, bone loss, and scarring.

Methods

Four cases are presented with recalls up to 5.5 years.

Results

The procedure was shown to be predictable and successful in this series. Root length was preserved, and surgery was avoided.

Conclusions

Nonsurgical amalgam removal from the root end may provide a desirable alternative to the more common and complicated option of combined nonsurgical and surgical endodontic retreatment.     

Multidisciplinary approach to apical surgery in conjunction with the loss of buccal cortical plate

The treatment of advanced periodontal breakdown as a result of an associated endodontic lesion continues to challenge the practitioner. Two cases of teeth with endodontic pathologic conditions that required apical surgery are presented. On raising the flap, no buccal cortical plate was found, significantly lowering the prognosis of the surgery. A barrier membrane was used in addition to the apical surgery, which on postoperative follow-up appears to have resulted in the reestablishment of the buccal cortical plate.     

根管显微镜下上颌第二磨牙根管的再治疗

目的：总结应用根管显微镜和超声器械对上颌第二磨牙根管再治疗的临床疗效。方法：收集上颌第二磨牙初次治疗失败病例80例,显微镜下记录初次治疗失败原因,应用根管显微镜和超声技术疏通根管,机用镍钛锉冠向下法预备根管,侧方加压和垂直加压法充填根管,拍X线牙片记录再治疗成功率。结果：80个患牙再治疗成功71个,成功率88.7%。半年后随访,成功率88.2%。结论：上颌第二磨牙因其根管存在融合、变异、根管过弯等因素,易导致初次治疗时根管遗漏、台阶形成、器械折断、根管侧穿以及根管钙化,造成初次根管治疗失败。应用根管显微镜和超声技术对其进行再治疗能获得满意的疗效,但应正确使用超声器械,避免根管侧穿的发生。     

Root canal retreatment or surgical apicoectomy?

Failure of root canal therapy is usually due to re-infection of the root canal system. In most of these cases, an endodontic retreatment is indicated. Patients with persisting apical periodontitis frequently are referred to an oral surgeon for apical surgery, although endodontic retreatment would have been possible in a majority of these cases. When endodontic retreatment is not possible or does not resolve the patient's problems, surgical apicoectomy or extraction might be the only possibilities left. Apical surgery is usually performed by an oral sugeon or by a specially trained dentist. In most surgical clinics beveled resection, followed by an preparation and restoration is performed. New developments, such as microscopic sugery, ultrasonic preparation and newly developed restorative materials are described in this article. Since there is a lack of well-designed comparative clinical studies, no definite conclusions can be drawn with regard to the clinical value of these modern techniques.     

The effect of diabetes mellitus on endodontic treatment outcome: data from an electronic patient record

BACKGROUND: The authors used a custom-built electronic record system to investigate endodontic diagnostic and treatment outcome data in patients with and without diabetes. METHODS: The medical histories and endodontic treatment data for nonsurgical endodontic patients treated in predoctoral and postgraduate specialty clinics were entered into an electronic record system. A total of 5,494 cases (including 284 cases in patients with diabetes) were treated, and 540 cases (including 73 cases in patients with diabetes) had follow-up data two years or more postoperatively. The authors performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine important factors affecting endodontic diagnosis and treatment outcome. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes had increased periodontal disease of teeth with endodontic involvment compared with patients who did not have diabetes. There was a trend toward increased symptomatic periradicular disease in patients with diabetes who received insulin, as well as flareups in all patients with diabetes. Two years or longer postoperatively, 68 percent of cases followed were successful. Older age, the absence of preoperative lesions, the presence of permanent restorations and longer postoperative evaluation periods all were associated with a successful outcome. A multivariate analysis showed that in cases with preoperative periradicular lesions, a history of diabetes was associated with a significantly reduced successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes have increased periodontal disease in teeth involved endodontically and have a reduced likelihood of success of endodontic treatment in cases with preoperative periradicular lesions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients with diabetes who are treated endodontically should be assessed carefully and be treated with effective antimicrobial root canal regimens, particularly in cases with preoperative lesions.     

Endodontic, surgical and periodontal treatment of dens invaginatus. Case report

The aim of this paper is to propose a single stage global treatment of endodontic, periapical and periodontal lesions in a lateral maxillary incisor with dens invaginatus. A 24 year-old woman presenting a lateral maxillary incisor with dens invaginatus in association with periapica1 and periodontal lesions underwent simultaneous surgical, endodontic and periodontal regenerative procedures. At 2, 6, 12, 18 months follow-up the radiographic healing appeared to be improved and the periapical lesion healed completely 1 year after surgical intervention. Surgery in association with endodontic and periodontal procedures represents the treatment of choice to maximize long term prognosis in cases of dens invaginatus with chronic periapical and periodontal lesions.     

Immediate implant placement: treatment planning and surgical steps for successful outcomes

Diagnosis and treatment planning are key factors in achieving successful outcomes after placing and restoring implants placed immediately after tooth extraction. The efficacy of immediate implant placement has been established and shown to be predictable if reasonable guidelines are followed. Some or all of the following suggestions, depending on individual circumstances, should be considered when evaluating a patient for dental implants: thorough medical and dental histories, clinical photographs, study casts, periapical and panogram radiographs as well as a linear tomography or computerised tomography of the proposed implant sites. Reasons for tooth extraction include but are not limited to: insufficient crown to root ratios, remaining root length, periodontal attachment levels, periodontal health of teeth adjacent to the proposed implant sites, unrestorable caries, root fractures with large endodontic posts, root resorption, teeth with deep furcation invasions being considered as abutments for fixed partial dentures and questionable teeth in need of endodontic retreatment.     

Retreatment of endodontic fillings.

Effects of endodontic retreatment on quality of seal and periapical healing were assessed among 660 previously root-filled roots. The roots were divided into either of two groups according to presence or absence of pathologic alterations in the periapical area. The retreatments, which were carried out by dental students, involved a thorough chemomechanical debridement of the root-canal system aiming to control infection. Following a 2-year observation period 556 roots were reexamined clinically and radiographically. The results showed that root-fillings with technical shortcomings could, following retreatment, be markedly improved as regards effectiveness of seal and distance to the apex. A large number of lumina discernible apical to root-filling could also be treated and filled. Seventy-eight percent of the cases with pathologic lesion present periapically prior to retreatment either completely healed or displayed an obvious size-reduction of the process. Retreatments carried out because of technical inadequacies alone were successful in 94% of the cases. It was concluded that renewed endodontic treatment whenever possible is the method of choice when treating defective endodontic fillings complicated with pathologic processes periapically. Apical surgery may be attempted if no signs of healing are apparent following observation.     

A non-healing dark area: surgical treatment or non-surgical retreatment?

There are a lot of studies discussing success rates of root canal treatment. They show a big variety in their outcomes. Success rates are reported between 54 and 96 percent with a majority reporting a figure towards the higher end of the range. Despite high success rates reported, there are still cases showing no healing after an evaluation period. At that point the dentist has to make a decision: retreatment or surgical endodontics. To make this decision various factors influencing the outcome should be considered carefully. The overall conclusion is that when failure occurs, endodontic retreatment is the first treatment of choice. Periapical surgery is a treatment option which should carefully be considered in specific circumstances.     

Retreatment of endodontic fillings

Abstract— Effects of endodontic retreatment on quality of seal and periapical healing were assessed among 660 previously root-filled roots. The roots were divided into either of two groups according to presence or absence of pathologic alterations in the periapical area. The retreatments, which were carried out by dental students, involved a thorough chemomechanical debridement of the root-canal system aiming to control infection. Following a 2-year observation period 556 roots were reexamined clinically and radiographically. The results showed that root-fillings with technical shortcomings could, following retreatment, be markedly improved as regards effectiveness of seal and distance to the apex. A large number of lumina discernible apical to root-filling could also be treated and filled. Seventy-eight percent of the cases with pathologic lesion present periapically prior to retreatment either completely healed or displayed an obvious size-reduction of the process Retreatments carried out because of technical inadequacies alone were successful in 94% of the cases. It was concluded that renewed endodontic treatment whenever possible is the method of choice when treating defective endodontic fillings complicated with pathologic processes periapically. Apical surgery may be attempted if no signs of healing are apparent following observation.     

Soft tissue management in endodontic surgery

Modern endodontic surgery involves both root-end preparation and proper sealing of all apical portals of exit. Both components are requirements for mechanical and biological success, but the management of soft tissues becomes increasingly important for an esthetically successful treatment. A healthy appearance of soft tissues plays an important role in the esthetic outcome of periradicular surgery. This is true considering maintenance of attachment levels and regarding the amount of possible recession after surgical procedures. Complete, recession-free and predictable healing of gingival tissue is one important goal of endodontic surgical treatment. A critical review of currently used techniques based on clinical and scientific data reveals great potential for improvements. Possible reasons for scar formation and recession specifically in healthy periodontal conditions requiring surgical endodontic intervention are highlighted. Based on anatomical considerations various incision types are evaluated and recommendations made. Clear understanding of wound closure and tissue-healing patterns call for the use of atraumatic procedures, nonirritating suture materials and adequate suturing techniques. This article gives an overview and guidance for integrating current and new successful flap designs and wound closure methods. The methods described have the intention of maintaining the attachment level and avoiding postoperative recession after surgical endodontic therapy.     

The management of periapical lesions in endodontically treated teeth

When root canal therapy is done according to accepted clinical principles and under aseptic conditions, the success rate is generally high. However, it has also been reported that 16% to 64.5% of endodontically treated teeth are associated with periapical radiolucent lesions. There are great variations among clinicians when suggesting treatment of these failed endodontic cases. This article will discuss factors influencing treatment decisions on these particular cases, and the pros and cons of nonsurgical retreatment versus surgical retreatment. The advancement of modern endodontic microsurgery will also be discussed.     

Considerations in the revision of previous surgical procedures

The microbial etiology of periradicular periodontitis requires that efforts must be made to eliminate infection from the root canal system and the periradicular tissues. Periradicular surgery is an option of endodontic re‐treatment when non‐surgical root canal treatment and re‐treatment fails. Unfortunately, surgery is not always successful for a number of reasons including, extraradicular infection, associated marginal periodontal disease, inability to seal the root canal system from the periradicular tissues, anatomical anomalies and poor surgical technique. This paper reviews the use of re‐surgery in the treatment of failed surgical cases, discussing some of the problems that may be encountered and how they may be managed.     

Lateral breakdown of nonendodontic origin adjacent to maxillary left incisors

CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old female presented with a labial fistula located between the central and lateral left maxillary incisors. The teeth had normal colour, responded positively to pulp testing, demonstrated negative percussion tests and had no evidence of periodontal pockets. The patient reported no history of trauma, but mentioned that she had received orthodontic treatment. Radiographic examination showed bone loss between these two teeth. Explorative surgery followed by antibiotic treatment was performed, but a fistula reappeared after 22 months. Surgical retreatment combined with antibiotic treatment resulted in gradual healing over a three-year period. No root canal treatment was performed. Aetiological considerations connected to tissue injury and inflammation are discussed. Inflammation induced disturbances in local homeostasis may possibly explain the lateral breakdown of bone. Such areas of reduced resistance may, under unfavourable conditions, be infected by blood-born pathogens. Information about such aberrant cases is important in endodontic decision making.     

Endodontic retreatment strategies used by general dental practitioners

PURPOSE: Root-filled teeth with persistant periapical radiolucencies are often classified as endodontic failures. Studies have shown that general dental practitioners (GDP) do not consistantly suggest retreatment of "failures." The "Praxis Concept" (PC) theory hypothesizes that dentists conceive periapical health and disease as different states on a continuum. This study examined endodontic retreatment concepts among 157 GDPs from V?rmland, Sweden. STUDY DESIGN: In 6 simulated cases the periapical condition, quality of root filling and presence of a root canal-retained post were systematically varied. Five options were offered: no therapy, wait and see, nonsurgical retreatment, surgical retreatment, and extraction. RESULTS: The investigation showed large interindividual variation in retreatment behavior among the GDPs. Only 9 dentists (6%) where found to repeatedly suggest retreatment of endodontic failures. A majority of GDPs (79%) performed in accordance with PC. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that several retreatment decision rules are used by Swedish GDPs, but PC-derived strategies attract the majority.     

The success of endodontic therapy--healing and functionality

Current, relevant knowledge on the outcome of endodontic therapy is key to clinical decision making, particularly when endodontic treatment is weighed against tooth extraction and replacement. Inherent to reviewing the outcome is a definition of "success" in relation to the goals of therapy. As the specific goal set out by the individual patient may either be healing/prevention of disease (apical periodontitis) or just functional retention of the tooth, the potential for both healing and functionality is reviewed. Based on selected follow-up studies that offer the best evidence, the chance of teeth without apical periodontitis to remain free of disease after initial treatment or orthograde retreatment is 92 percent to 98 percent. The chance of teeth with apical periodontitis to completely heal after initial treatment or retreatment is 74 percent to 86 percent, and their chance to be functional over time is 91 percent to 97 percent. Thus there does not appear to be a systematic difference in outcome between initial treatment and orthograde retreatment. The outcome of apical surgery is less consistent than that of the nonsurgical treatment. The chance of teeth with apical periodontitis to completely heal after apical surgery is 37 percent to 85 percent, with a weighted average of approximately 70 percent. However, even with the lower chance of complete healing, the chance for the teeth to be functional over time is 86 percent to 92 percent. Considering the favorable outcome, conservative endodontic therapy, both nonsurgical and surgical, is definitely justified and should be attempted when a good restorative and periodontal prognosis is projected, unless the patient is not motivated to retain the tooth.