Endodontic microsurgery. Part one: diagnosis, patient selection and prognoses

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Surgical endodontics was historically a last resort due to poor outcomes.
• Advances in techniques, materials, and visualization have improved success rates.
• Endodontic microsurgery is now a valuable option for select patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the advancements in endodontic microsurgery.
• To emphasize the importance of diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient selection.
• To discuss factors influencing the success of endodontic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary endodontic microsurgery techniques and materials.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools, including cone beam computed tomography.
• Analysis of patient selection criteria and influencing factors for surgical success.

Main Results:

• Modern endodontic microsurgery offers improved success rates compared to historical approaches.
• Accurate diagnosis and careful patient selection are critical for favorable prognoses.
• Understanding local and systemic factors is paramount for successful surgical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Endodontic microsurgery is a viable treatment option when orthograde treatment is not feasible or less likely to succeed.
• Skill in diagnosis and treatment planning remains essential, irrespective of technological advancements.
• While few absolute contraindications exist, certain medical conditions require careful patient management.