Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure
Transcription
Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure
CONTINUING EDUCATION Volume 34 No. 2 Page 130 Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure Authored by Ali Allen Nasseh, DDS, MMSc, and Dennis Brave, DDS Upon successful completion of this CE activity, 3 CE credit hours may be awarded Opinions expressed by CE authors are their own and may not reflect those of Dentistry Today. Mention of specific product names does not infer endorsement by Dentistry Today. Information contained in CE articles and courses is not a substitute for sound clinical judgment and accepted standards of care. Participants are urged to contact their state dental boards for continuing education requirements. CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure were completed using antiquated armamentaria by surgeons who applied apicoectomy, with a broad stroke, to all conventional root canals that had failed. Not surprisingly, the results of many outcome studies prior to the modern era of endodontic surgery (ie, before the use of ultrasonics, operating microscopes, cone beam [CB] CTs, and modern retrofilling materials) were dismal.5-7 Today, the cause of persistent periapical disease is largely attributed to either inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the root canal space during the original root canal therapy, or recontamination of the whole root canal space after initial treatment due to a poor coronal seal (coronal leakage due to faulty filling, core, crown, etc). Root cracks and fractures as well as iatrogenic perforations, blockages, and missed canals can also act as microbial sources to the periapex. Sealing these sources from periapical egress has traditionally been the function of endodontic therapy. As a result, the apicoectomy procedure is more successful when correct diagnosis and case selection5 is combined with a 3.0-mm deep retrofilling and apical seal of the root end. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, the term apicoectomy procedure is defined not only as the cutting of the root end a minimum of 3.0 mm (apicoectomy portion of the procedure), but also the retrofilling and sealing of the remaining root with a minimum of a 3-mm deep retrofilling material. Effective Date: 02/01/2015 Expiration Date: 02/01/2018 About the Authors Dr. Nasseh received his master’s in medical sciences degree and certificate in endodontics from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1997. He received his DDS in 1994 from Northwestern University Dental School. He maintains a private endodontic practice in Boston (msendo.com) and holds a staff position at Harvard’s postdoctoral endodontic program. He has done research in the areas of bone biochemistry and has lectured extensively internationally on endodontic diagnosis, anesthesia and sedation, treatment planning, efficiency of care, and microsurgery. He is the endodontic editor for several dental journals and periodicals and serves as the alumni editor of the Harvard Dental Bulletin. He is the CEO and president of RealWorldEndo. He can be reached at [email protected] or visit the Web site located at realworldendo.com. Disclosure: Dr. Nasseh is the president and CEO of RealWorldEndo. Dr. Brave co-founded RealWorldEndo in 2000. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a member of the College of Diplomates. He received his DDS from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland, and his certificate in endodontics from the University of Pennsylvania. He is an Omicron Kappa Upsilon Scholastic Award Winner and a Gorgas Odontologic Honor Society member. He can be reached at [email protected] or visit realworldendo.com. Case Selection for Success During the past 2 decades, a clearer diagnosis of the specific cause of persistent periapical disease has resulted in better treatment triage and case selection for teeth requiring nonsurgical revision, surgical treatment (apicoectomy plus retrofilling), or extraction.6 The source of persistent disease is now understood to be the persistence of microbes or microbial products in the root end and/or near a portal of exit. Nonsurgical revision is always the ideal treatment option to address the disease; as long as the procedure is feasible and restoration disassembly does not pose a significant risk of root fracture or other complications during treatment. For cases in which the periodontal condition of the tooth is poor, or when a root fracture is present, extraction and implant placement will be a more predictable option than apicoectomy. After thorough evaluation through clinical and radiographic assessment as well as verbal questioning of the relevant history, any remaining questionable cases can be treatment planned for an exploratory surgery instead of an apicoectomy, and the apicoectomy performed only after exploration and the ruling out of a fracture. If this does not seem feasible, the tooth should be removed and the area grafted immediately. This limits the Disclosure: Dr. Brave is the co-founder of RealWorldEndo and is a consultant to Brasseler USA. INTRODUCTION Mention “apicoectomy” and you’re bound to get a funny look from some dental colleagues. The fact is that this highly successful and predictable endodontic procedure1-6 has developed a bad reputation. The main reason is that most apicoectomy literature quoted in the profession and taught in dental schools is outdated and regurgitates old surgical techniques and outcome studies conducted several decades ago. These studies represent a time when the underlying causes of persistent periapical disease following root canal therapy were poorly understood and techniques to address the etiology of the disease were inadequate. Furthermore, procedures performed during earlier studies 1 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure patient’s investment only to cases in which apicoectomy will have a fair to good prognosis and extracts teeth with fractures, cracks, and significant periodontal limitations. In conclusion, apicoectomy (and retrograde filling) is indicated in teeth where disassembly is not possible, coronal leakage is not present, and the disease process is confined to the apex of a periodontally noncompromised tooth. In such cases, surgical apicoectomy has a very good prognosis and will result in saving the patient’s natural dentition. This article briefly reviews some of the advances in the apicoectomy armamentarium and filling materials that have been introduced during the past 2 decades, and proposes a novel, more efficient retrofilling technique called the “Lid Technique.”8 This technique has been inspired by material science advancements in endodontic cements during the past decade. a b Figures 1a and 1b. The combination of light and magnification can greatly enhance visualization of the surgical field and show the microanatomy of the apex. The above retrograde fillings were accomplished with EndoSequence BC Root Repair Material (RRM) Fast Set (FS) Putty (Brasseler USA). (Photos courtesy of Dr. Bradley Trattner, Baltimore, Md.) a b Surgical Operating Microscope and Cone Beam Radiography The surgical operating microscope had a significant impact on im- Figures 2a and 2b. (a) Cone beam (CB) CT imaging can show the 3-dimensional positioning of the tooth in a bucco-lingual direction and can allow the clinician knowledge of hidden roots, bucco-lingual inclination, depth of proving the success rate of endo- bone to access through to get to the roots, and any anatomical areas to pay attention to during the procedure. dontic surgery from the historically (b) In this section, the severe lingual orientation of the mandibular second molar shows the clinical challenge quoted outcome studies. This is due associated with apicoectomy. An intentional replantation was then chosen for treatment planning, instead of conventional apicoectomy. to the consequences of better visualization of the field at higher magnification, which in turn operating field and the determination of the exact location of improves the clinician’s ability to find the source of pathology at the associated pathology prior to the actual surgical procedure the root end (eg, discovery of additional canals, canal isthmuses, (Figure 2). This information improves case selection prior to the fine cracks, and fractures)1,6 (Figure 1). As a result, all apicoectomy surgery, which in turn, helps improve case outcome. outcome studies prior to the use of the operating microscope should not be considered valid in the modern age. Ultrasonic Apical Preparation Furthermore, better case selection can be achieved through The advent of ultrasonic devices with surgical preparation tips obtaining quality information presurgically using digital that allow conservative bony access cavities while still allowing imaging, which helps establish a more accurate prognosis. for deep retropreparation depths (following root resection) have Recent advancements in high-resolution, 3-D digital imaging further advanced the apicoectomy procedure.6,7,9,10 Piezousing limited CB radiography techniques have helped improve ultrasonic devices with their associated diamond coated and surgical case selection through better visualization of the non-diamond coated surgical tips allow the surgeon to prepare 2 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure a b ERRM: Figures 3a and 3b. (a) A 3.0-mm depth of retropreparation perpendicular to the apicoectomied root allows debridement deep into the root canal, (b) achieving a long retrofill for a better seal. a The Lid-Retrofiling Technique b The Lid-Retrofiling Technique (Sealer) (Paste) (Putty) Figure 4. From left to right: the BC Sealer, RRM Paste, and RRM Putty FS formulations of the EndoSequence (Brasseler USA). Bioceramic material demonstrates different flow and consistency in the same baseline chemistry. c The Lid-Retrofiling Technique Putty FS RRM Paste or BC Sealer RRM Paste Figures 5a to 5c. (a) After retropreparation, the RRM Paste was injected with a fitted syringe (b) and a layer of Putty FS was placed on top to seal the RRM Paste. (c) Only a thin layer of the putty was required to seal the surface of the retrofilling, like a lid for a box. a +3.0 mm deep retropreparation into the root canal after sectioning off 3 mm of the apex (Figure 3). This combination results in cleaning and the elimination of an effective +6.0 mm of infected root canal space during the apicoectomy/retrofilling surgical procedure. The use of a piezoelectric ultrasonic unit is an absolute necessity for this kind of retropreparation (and for improving the long-term prognosis of the treated tooth). challenge. This makes the application of this material to the surgical site more complicated, requiring additional time and armamentarium. Fortunately, advancements in material science have addressed these concerns with the development of a new class of nanoparticulate premixed bioceramic compounds: EndoSequence BC Sealer, Root Repair Material (RRM Syringeable), and Root Repair Material Putty (RRM Putty) (Brasseler USA). These compounds combine the biological advantages of these bioceramic cements with excellent clinical handling properties designed specifically for their intended purposes.15-27 The new cements are pure bioceramics, built de novo, and composed of zirconium oxide, calcium silicates, calcium phosphate monobasic, calcium hydroxide, filler, and thickening agents.18 These bioceramics are available in 3 different consistencies: (1) a low-contact angle, highly flowable syringeable sealer; (2) a slightly more viscous syringeable RRM; and (3) an even higher viscosity putty material (RRM Putty), which is also available in fast set formulation (RRM Putty Fast Set [FS]) (Figure 4). These materials are as biocompatible as MTA16-21 and promote Bioceramic-Based Retrofilling Materials There are several endodontic cements currently on the market, but only a few that are categorized as bioceramics. While several retrofilling materials have been used historically, it has been understood that the ideal retrofilling material would not only fill, but also promote the healing of the tissue it directly contacts. The first material in this category was mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).11-14 Pro-Root MTA (DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties) was originally released in the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, the clinical handling properties of MTA are not ideal, and predictable mixing and transferring of this material from the bench top into the retropreparation can prove a 3 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure healing. They also demonstrate clinical handling far surpassing MTA and other bioceramics, making this class of cements the preferred choice for endodontists.22-30 In this article, we will use the superior clinical handling advantages of this class of bioceramics to describe a novel and more efficient retrofilling technique. This technique, named the Lid Technique,8 combines the advantages of material science (bioceramics) with the efficiency of technique made available by the use of the syringeable paste and putty formulations during the filling of the retropreparation. Figure 6. It is important to choose a delivery tip that can fit all the way to the base of the retropreparation; therefore, the delivery tip should be fitted prior to injection of the material. Figure 7. If the delivery tip does not reach the base of the preparation during injection, a void may be trapped in the retrofilling. The delivery needle should be chosen based on this rule in order to avoid a void. a The Lid Technique b This technique’s underlying theory takes advantage of the concept of using 2 chemically similar materials with different viscosities in order to get better adaptation of the overall material to a biological surface.31 Examples of this concept are seen in the often used and current techniques of combining flowable and bulk restorative composites during the filling of a cavity preparation and similarly the simultaneous use of a light- and heavy-body im- Figures 8a and 8b. A Luer Lock-type delivery tip used for acid-etch delivery during bonding is bent 90° and attached to an RRM Paste syringe. A similar configuration can be achieved with the pression material during impression making for BC Sealer syringe. prosthodontics. Likewise, the Lid Technique8 utilizes the combined injection of the EndoSequence RRM diameter be thin enough so that the tip of the syringe can fit Syringeable Paste into a retropreparation in order to fill the bulk deep into the standard retropreparation without excessive of the cavity followed by the placement of the EndoSequence binding. This will allow for the escape of air and any excess RRM Putty FS that acts as a lid over the injected material in order cement from its sides during the injection process (Figure 6). If to seal the surface of the retrofilling and prevent any potential the syringe is not inserted deep into the retropreparation prior washout. The paste material flows extremely well but can to injection, a void may be trapped under the flowable material potentially wash out in the presence of blood or contact with deep in the preparation (Figure 7). This is similar to trapping a irrigation. The goal of the Lid Technique8 is to seal and prevent void under a post during cementation in a root canal! This is this washout by placing a layer of the washout-resistant Putty FS why the delivery tip should be fitted after the retropreparation material on the cavosurface(s) of the retropreparation, thus cavity is made; and the appropriate delivery tip thickness used allowing the material to set undisturbed. It’s important to (a tip that’s slightly loose in the canal) prior to prepping the site understand that the RRM Paste does not wash out after setting for injection. The RRM Paste, Sealer, and Putty use a standard (90-minute setting time). Therefore, the putty’s role is to allow Luer Lock attachment and are therefore compatible with a this setting reaction to take place without blood contamination, number of tips. Experience has confirmed that a Blue Micro and to that extent, the thickness of the Putty FS is incon- dispensing Tip (Ultradent Products) or equivalent can fit in the sequential (Figure 5). standard retropreparation and still allow RRM Syringeable In order to achieve the goal of injecting the RRM material or BC Sealer to flow through it. Syringeable Paste deep into the retropreparation, it’s important By bending the first 3.0 mm of the syringe tip at 90° using either that the delivery device’s inner lumen be wide enough to allow a hemostat or a pair of bird beak pliers, access can be achieved to free flow of the flowable bioceramic material, yet the external the full depth of the retropreparation. After bending the delivery 4 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure Figure 9. Tooth No. 13 (with a previously retreated root canal, post, and crown) had a periapical radiolucency and was diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis. tip appropriately, the needle is screwed on to the EndoSequence RRM Paste Syringe (Brasseler USA) through its conventional Luer Lock attachment (Figure 8). This cannula’s diameter allows injection of the premixed syringeable RRM or BC Sealer material directly from the syringe deep into the retropreparation, thus bypassing any necessity to mix or dispense the material at the time of surgery. This time savings is significant, considering previously described techniques for placement of MTA during this phase of the retrofilling that have required sensitive mixing techniques and special delivery devices. Once the flowable material has been injected, a small ball or cone of the RRM Putty FS is delivered to the site of the surgery using a typical microspatula. The ball/cone is placed directly over the flowable material, thus sealing the cavosurface area of the retropreparation (acting as the lid and protecting the flowable material until it sets). The RRM syringeable material’s setting time is about 1.5 to 3 hours, and RRM Putty FS sets in 20 minutes. However, there is no need to wait for the putty to set to complete the procedure. Immediately after placement, the retropreparation can be cleaned and any flash from the putty removed using a microbrush and a gentle spray of saline. The Lid Technique8 can be summarized in the following way: After resection of ideally 3.0 mm of the root end in a failing a b root canal, a 3.0-mm retropreparation is made in the root canal using ultrasonics. Once the retropreparation is complete, the Micro Tip delivery syringe is fitted to the retropreparation, ensuring that the tip reaches the deepest portion of the retropreparation. Once this is confirmed, additional hemostasis is obtained inside the bony crypt, and the retropreparation is disinfected with a disinfectant of choice and dried thoroughly using micro air blast or small paper points. The syringeable EndoSequence RRM is injected using the fitted delivery tip, starting from the depth of the retropreparation and slowly moving the syringe out of the retropreparation while injecting. This process will discourage or eliminate any voids. Once the retroprep is filled to the cavosurface using the flowable c d e f g h i j k l Figures 10a to 10l. (a) Following apicoectomy and root canal identification, retropreparation was made using a piezoelectric ultrasonic tip. (b and c) A properly angled dispensing needle was fitted to make sure it reached the depth of the preparation. (d and e) The RRM Paste (or Sealer) was then injected slowly while the syringe was withdrawn, filling the retroprepartion to the cavosurface margin. (f to h) Using a spatula, a small amount of the Putty FS was then placed over the syringeable material covering the surface of the retropreparation, and flash was removed using a small brush. (i) The surface and the bony crypt were cleaned with sterile saline and the tooth was sutured closed. (j and k) The immediate post-op and 2-year follow-up radiographs show the retrofilling in place. (l) Exposure for apicoectomy on the MB root of the posterior tooth visually confirmed healing of the bony crypt over the previous apicoectomy site. 5 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure material, a small ball or cone of the RRM Putty FS is used to seal the cavosurface area of the retropreparation by directly placing the putty over the flowable material and spreading it to the margins of the preparation using a microspatula. Any excess putty or paste material can be easily cleaned out of the bony crypt using a spoon excavator or microbrushes. Until experienced with the technique, a digital radiograph can be utilized to confirm an adequate fill without any voids. If significant voids are noted, a 10-second blast of ultrasonic and water inside the retropreparation will remove all of the bioceramic retrofil. Once done, the retrofilling process can be started again, paying particular attention to the fit of the syringe tip and the slow movement outward during injection to prevent voids. After confirmation, the crypt is cleaned of any hemostatic agent, and bleeding is initiated from the crypt prior to suturing the flap closed. Five RealWorldEndo Tips for Success 1. If during the apicoectomy you see a crack on the root, abandon the procedure, then extract and graft right away. It is important to have a high success rate, and cracked teeth have a very poor outcome in the long run. Wasting the patient’s resources with false hope is not good patient management. 2. Be sure to pay attention to the coronal aspect of the tooth while preparing the retropreparation. It is important to visualize the root anatomy from the radiograph and transpose that mentally over the patient’s bone. This way, you will be able to visualize and follow the path of the root canal better inside the root canal and end up having a more effective seal. Do not forget, you’re only preparing a seal if you are in the root canal space. If you go off course, you will not only have a poor seal, you will also predispose the tooth to fracture by weakening it unnecessarily. 3. Be sure that the tip of your syringe can reach the deepest part of your retropreparation to help prevent void formation. 4. Use adequate hemostatic agents (eg, aluminum chloride, ferric CASE REPORT sulfate, or epinephrine pellets) and try to have a dry bony crypt at the time A patient, who presented with a history of of the fill. It is important not to get too much bleeding that can obscure previous nonsurgical root canal therapy and your view and contaminate your retropreparation during the retrofill. coronal restoration in tooth No. 13 within the past 2 years, was referred for evaluation of a 5. Don’t forget that EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler USA) can be a symptomatic periapical radiolucency (Figure 9). replacement for the EndoSequence RRM Paste.31 This is useful if you find Following clinical evaluation and testing, a the extrusion of the paste too hard through the syringe lumen necessary to diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis in fit your retrofilling size. For thinner retropreparations, the sealer will be a previously root canal-treated tooth was made. easier to flow through the needle lumen and it will have the same The tooth already had a nonsurgical revision and chemistry as the paste material. adequate coronal restoration (no coronal leakage was observed). Given the healthy periodontal therapy, and the presence of a well-sealed coronal restoration, surgical treatment with apicoectomy and retrofilling was recommended. Syringe, and the paste was then injected, very slowly in the Following the raising of a flap, surgical osteotomy to get access retropreparation while the tip was being withdrawn. This to the root end, and surgical excision of 3.0 mm of the apex using technique allowed for the filling of the retropreparation (with the a Lindeman Surgical Bur (Brasseler USA), the root end was exposed. RRM Paste) without trapping any voids. Ultrasonic tips (BEST TIPS 1 and 2 [Brasseler USA]) were used in a Once the entire retropreparation was filled with the RRM Forza V3 piezoelectric ultrasonic unit (Brasseler USA) and a 3.0-mm Paste, a small ball-shaped piece of RRM Putty FS was placed deep retropreparation was prepared (Figure 10). An acutely bent directly over the cavosurface area of the preparation using a microdispensing tip (similar to the tip used for phosphoric acid microspatula. Next, a MicroBrush (Ultradent Products) was etch [Ultradent Products]) was fitted in the retropreparation, used to clean the excess material/flash from the bone crypt and making sure that the tip had reached the deepest portion of the a gentle stream of saline was used to wash away any loose debris retropreparation. Hemostasis was obtained in the osseous crypt, (Figures 10a to 10h). A confirmation radiograph showed a lack and then the retropreparation was disinfected and dried. Next, the of any voids in the retrograde filling. A small amount of flash fitted dispensing tip was placed on an EndoSequence RRM Paste remaining was then removed prior to suturing (Figure 10i). 6 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure 10. Glickman GN, Koch KA. 21st-century endodontics. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000;131(suppl):39S-46S. 11. Torabinejad M, Hong CU, McDonald F, et al. Physical and chemical properties of a new root-end filling material. J Endod. 1995;21:349-353. 12. Parirokh M, Torabinejad M. Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review—Part I: chemical, physical, and antibacterial properties. J Endod. 2010;36:16-27. 13. Torabinejad M, Parirokh M. Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review—Part II: leakage and biocompatibility investigations. J Endod. 2010;36:190-202. 14. Parirokh M, Torabinejad M. Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review—Part III: clinical applications, drawbacks, and mechanism of action. J Endod. 2010;36:400-413. 15. Zhang W, Li Z, Peng B. Ex vivo cytotoxicity of a new calcium silicatebased canal filling material. Int Endod J. 2010;43:769-774. 16. Ma J, Shen Y, Stojicic S, et al. Biocompatibility of two novel root repair materials. J Endod. 2011;37:793-798. 17. AlAnezi AZ, Jiang J, Safavi KE, et al. Cytotoxicity evaluation of EndoSequence Root Repair Material. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2010;109:e122-e125. 18. Ciasca M, Aminoshariae A, Jin G, et al. A comparison of the cytotoxicity and proinflammatory cytokine production of EndoSequence Root Repair Material and ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate in human osteoblast cell culture using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. J Endod. 2012;38:486-489. 19. Hirschman WR, Wheater MA, Bringas JS, et al. Cytotoxicity comparison of three current direct pulp-capping agents with a new bioceramic root repair putty. J Endod. 2012;38:385-388. 20. Zhang S, Yang X, Fan M. BioAggregate and iRoot BP Plus optimize the proliferation and mineralization ability of human dental pulp cells. Int Endod J. 2013;46:923-929. 21. Zhang W, Li Z, Peng B. Effects of iRoot SP on mineralization-related genes expression in MG63 cells. J Endod. 2010;36:1978-1982. 22. Zhang H, Shen Y, Ruse ND, et al. Antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers by modified direct contact test against Enterococcus faecalis. J Endod. 2009;35:1051-1055. 23. Lovato KF, Sedgley CM. Antibacterial activity of EndoSequence Root Repair Material and ProRoot MTA against clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis. J Endod. 2011;37:1542-1546. 24. Candeiro GT, Correia FC, Duarte MA, et al. Evaluation of radiopacity, pH, release of calcium ions, and flow of a bioceramic root canal sealer. J Endod. 2012;38:842-845. 25. Zhang W, Li Z, Peng B. Assessment of a new root canal sealer’s apical sealing ability. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009;107:e79-e82. 26. Damas BA, Wheater MA, Bringas JS, et al. Cytotoxicity comparison of mineral trioxide aggregates and EndoSequence bioceramic root repair materials. J Endod. 2011;37:372-375. 27. Batur YB, Acar G, Yalcin Y, et al. The cytotoxic evaluation of mineral trioxide aggregate and bioaggregate in the subcutaneous connective tissue of rats. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2013;18:e745-e751. A 2-year follow-up radiograph of the area shows complete healing of the bony crypt (Figures 10j and 10k). Unfortunately, the patient had received another conventional root canal from her other dentist, which had become symptomatic. The subsequent surgical procedure for treatment of that tooth exposed the surgical site for a second time, visually confirming complete healing of the alveolar plate over the original bony crypt of osseotomy (Figure 10l). The surgical procedure for that molar was also documented and is available for review.8 CONCLUSION Based on the contemporary understanding of endodontic concepts for success and failure, assessment and subsequent treatment of apicoectomy procedures have greatly improved. Advances in apicoectomy armamentaria and materials (including bioceramic retrofilling materials and clinical techniques for their efficient use) have enabled endodontists to treat challenging cases with much greater efficiency. While successful outcomes are still predominantly a function of proper case section and triage, using the novel retrofilling technique, as described in this article, can make this previously challenging aspect of surgical endodontics much easier for clinicians.F References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Comparison of traditional and microsurgery in endodontics. In: Kim S, Pecora G, Rubinstein RA, eds. Color Atlas of Microsurgery in Endodontics. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2001:5-11. Rubinstein R, Kim S. Short-term observation of the results of endodontic surgery with the use of a surgical operation microscope and Super-EBA as root-end filling material. J Endod. 1999;25:43-48. Rubinstein RA, Kim S. Long-term follow-up of cases considered healed one year after apical microsurgery. J Endod. 2002;28:378-383. Friedman S, Lustmann J, Shaharabany V. Treatment results of apical surgery in premolar and molar teeth. J Endod. 1991;17:30-33. Song M, Jung IY, Lee SJ, et al. Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes in endodontic microsurgery: a retrospective study. J Endod. 2011;37:927-933. Kim S, Kratchman S. Modern endodontic surgery concepts and practice: a review. J Endod. 2006;32:601-623. Gutmann JL, Harrison JW. Surgical Endodontics. St. Louis, MO: Ishiyaku EuroAmerica; 1991. Nasseh A. The RWE “Lid Technique” for Retrofilling during apicoectomy [video]. realworldendo.com/videos/the-rwe-lidtechnique-for-retrofilling-during-apicoectomy. Accessed December 22, 2014. Stübinger S, Kuttenberger J, Filippi A, et al. Intraoral piezosurgery: preliminary results of a new technique. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2005;63:1283-1287. 7 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure 28. Koch KA, Brave DG, Nasseh AA. Bioceramic technology: closing the endo-restorative circle, Part I. Dent Today. 2010;29:100-105. 29. Koch KA, Brave DG, Nasseh AA. Bioceramic technology: closing the endo-restorative circle, Part II. Dent Today. 2010;29:98-105. 30. EndoSequence. Redefining endodontics: bioceramic technology (brochure). brasselerusadental.com/brasselerusadental/assets/ File/B-3644-Bioceramic-Brochure.pdf. Accessed December 18, 2014. 31. Nasseh AA. Updated retrofilling technique using BC Sealer & Putty [video]. realworldendo.com/videos/updated-retrofilling-techniqueusing-bc-sealer-putty. Accessed December 18, 2014. 8 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure POST EXAMINATION INFORMATION To receive continuing education credit for participation in this educational activity you must complete the program post examination and receive a score of 70% or better. Traditional Completion Option: You may fax or mail your answers with payment to Dentistry Today (see Traditional Completion Information on following page). All information requested must be provided in order to process the program for credit. Be sure to complete your “Payment,” “Personal Certification Information,” “Answers,” and “Evaluation” forms. Your exam will be graded within 72 hours of receipt. Upon successful completion of the post-exam (70% or higher), a letter of completion will be mailed to the address provided. Online Completion Option: Use this page to review the questions and mark your answers. Return to dentalcetoday.com and sign in. If you have not previously purchased the program, select it from the “Online Courses” listing and complete the online purchase process. Once purchased the program will be added to your User History page where a Take Exam link will be provided directly across from the program title. Select the Take Exam link, complete all the program questions and Submit your answers. An immediate grade report will be provided. Upon receiving a passing grade, complete the online evaluation form. Upon submitting the form, your Letter of Completion will be provided immediately for printing. General Program Information: Online users may log in to dentalcetoday.com any time in the future to access previously purchased programs and view or print letters of completion and results. 3. The surgical operating microscope has really not had a significant impact on improving the success rate of endodontic surgery from the historically quoted outcome studies. This CE activity was not developed in accordance with AGD PACE or ADA CERP standards. CEUs for this activity will not be accepted by the AGD for MAGD/FAGD credit. 1. Today, the cause of persistent periapical disease is largely attributed to either inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the root canal space during the original root canal therapy, or recontamination of the whole root canal space after initial treatment due to a poor coronal seal (coronal leakage due to faulty filling, core, crown, etc). a. True b. False a. True b. False a. True b. False 5. Unfortunately, the clinical handling properties of mineral trioxide aggregate are not ideal, and predictable mixing and transferring of this material from the bench top into the retropreparation can prove a challenge. b. False 2. Nonsurgical revision is always the ideal treatment option to address the disease; as long as the procedure is feasible and restoration disassembly does not pose a significant risk of root fracture or other complications during treatment. a. True a. True 4. The advent of ultrasonic devices with surgical preparation tips that allow conservative bony access cavities while still allowing for deep retropreparation depths (following root resection) have further advanced the apicoectomy procedure. POST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 6. The technique named the “Lid Technique” combines the advantages of material science (bioceramics) with the efficiency of technique made available by the use b. False 9 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure of the syringeable paste and putty formulations during the filling of the retropreparation. a. True 10. Once the flowable material has been injected, a small ball or cone of the RRM Putty FS is delivered to the site of the surgery using a typical microspatula. b. False 7. The Lid Technique utilizes the combined injection of the EndoSequence Root Repair Material (RRM) Syringeable Paste (Brasseler USA) into a retropreparation in order to fill the bulk of the cavity followed by the placement of the EndoSequence RRM Putty Fast Set (FS). a. True b. False a. True b. False a. True b. False a. True b. False a. True b. False a. True b. False 11. The RRM syringeable material’s setting time is about 1.5 to 3 hours, and RRM Putty FS sets in 20 minutes. However, the clinician must wait for the putty to set to complete the procedure. 12. Once the retroprep is filled to the cavosurface using the flowable material, a small ball or cone of the RRM Putty FS is used to seal the cavosurface area of the retropreparation by directly placing the putty over the flowable material and spreading it to the margins of the preparation using a microspatula. 8. In order to achieve the goal of injecting the RRM Syringeable Paste deep into the retropreparation, it’s important that the delivery device’s inner lumen be wide enough to allow free flow of the flowable bioceramic material. 9. Experience has confirmed that a Blue Micro dispensing Tip (Ultradent Products) (or equivalent) do not fit in the standard retropreparation. 10 CONTINUING EDUCATION Apicoectomy: The Misunderstood Surgical Procedure PROGRAM COMPLETION INFORMATION PERSONAL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION: If you wish to purchase and complete this activity traditionally (mail or fax) rather than online, you must provide the information requested below. Please be sure to select your answers carefully and complete the evaluation information. To receive credit you must answer at least 9 of the 12 questions correctly. Last Name (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE) First Name Profession / Credentials Complete online at: dentalcetoday.com Street Address TRADITIONAL COMPLETION INFORMATION: Suite or Apartment Number Mail or fax this completed form with payment to: City Department of Continuing Education 100 Passaic Avenue Fairfield, NJ 07004 Zip Code Fax Number With Area Code E-mail Address Fax: 973-882-3622 PAYMENT & CREDIT INFORMATION: Examination Fee: $60.00 Credit Hours: 3 ANSWER FORM: VOLUME 34 NO. 2 PAGE 130 Please check the correct box for each question below. Note: There is a $10 surcharge to process a check drawn on any bank other than a US bank. Should you have additional questions, please contact us at (973) 882-4700. 1. o a. True o b. False 7. o a. True o b. False 4. o a. True o b. False 10. o a. True o b. False 2. o a. True 3. o a. True o I have enclosed a check or money order. o I am using a credit card. 5. o a. True 6. o a. True My Credit Card information is provided below. o American Express o Visa o MC o Discover o b. False o b. False o b. False o b. False 8. o a. True 9. o a. True 11. o a. True 12. o a. True o b. False o b. False o b. False o b. False PROGRAM EVAUATION FORM Please complete the following activity evaluation questions. Please provide the following (please print clearly): Credit Card # State Daytime Telephone Number With Area Code Dentistry Today Exact Name on Credit Card License Number Rating Scale: Excellent = 5 and Poor = 0 Course objectives were achieved. Content was useful and benefited your clinical practice. / Review questions were clear and relevant to the editorial. Illustrations and photographs were clear and relevant. Expiration Date Written presentation was informative and concise. How much time did you spend reading the activity and completing the test? Signature What aspect of this course was most helpful and why? This CE activity was not developed in accordance with AGD PACE or ADA CERP standards. CEUs for this activity will not be accepted by the AGD for MAGD/FAGD credit. What topics interest you for future Dentistry Today CE courses? 11