Endodontics refined

  Posted by: Dental Design      22nd April 2021

 Much like the rest of the medical field, endodontic surgery has continued to evolve and develop during the past few decades at an astonishing rate. Now, with microsurgical endodontics leading the way, the treatment is all but unrecognisable, giving patients and professionals alike a better chance of favourable outcomes.

But what is microsurgical endodontics and how has this type of surgery helped to revolutionise endodontic treatment? Dr Corneliu Gherasim, an Endodontic Specialist from EndoCare, talks about his experiences:

“In the old days of endodontic surgery, there were many potential problems that could occur during treatment. Due to the complex structure of the tooth and other unique qualities, the prognosis for traditional endodontic surgery would often be questionable, resulting in further pain and problems for the patient. In fact, according to the available literature, the success rate of traditional endodontic surgery was around 45-50%, which is obviously not ideal.

“The introduction of the Surgical Operating Microscope (SOM) in the early 1990s has revolutionised endodontic therapy. Due to this innovation, the term ‘endodontic surgery’ is now being superseded by the new term  – microsurgical endodontics. Microsurgical endodontics is about approaching surgical cases with the addition of a microscope that allows us to see everything in much more detail. Overall, the impact of using the microscope in Endodontics is remarkable. It enables a 90% success rate for the surgical treatment, meaning that otherwise persistent endodontic disease is completely eradicated for 9 in 10 patients. These high success rates are made possible by the excellent precision of manoeuvres and high level of detail an endodontist can obtain only by using the microscope, as this affords a much better visualisation of the treated area. Having control over all possible causes of failure such as cracks, isthmuses and missed or lateral canals, enables such high success rates for this type of surgery versus the conventional approach. This new approach, together with the use of biocompatible materials and microsurgical instruments that were developed to be used in conjunction with the SOM, are responsible for the huge increase in successful outcomes, ushering in a new era of excellent treatment for patients.

“Moreover, it is important to note that, even though not a core consideration for the success of the treatment, the aesthetic outcome is also positively impacted when deploying microsurgical endodontics. The use of the microscope allows the endodontist to have an excellent level of precision due to the increased magnification capabilities, leading to a more precise soft tissue management and, as a result, better aesthetic outcomes. We can be less invasive, and therefore more conservative with the supporting structures while better handling the soft tissues during treatment, helping with the final aesthetics that are particularly important in the anterior zone.”

At EndoCare, providing patients with as pain-free as possible treatment is a high priority. Dr Gherasim explains how microsurgical endodontics has helped him deliver this promise for his patients. 

“A conservative, precise approach to the microsurgery treatment by using the microscope has an immensely positive impact on post intervention pain levels. Being less invasive, particularly with the bone structure as well as through a better management of the soft tissue, means that the area of treatment benefits from a reduced level of trauma, hence less post operatory pain.

“Another thing I really enjoy about microsurgery is the enhanced associated ergonomics. Historically, these treatments could be very uncomfortable for the professional to perform, and standing awkwardly for long periods of time inevitably meant that there would be muscle injuries and strains, both of which could lead to further problems. Now, with the microscope, performing this sort of surgery requires no awkward bending, which not only means there is a much lower risk of injury, but also that everything flows better. It just makes more sense and helps the procedure to become faster, more effective and more predictable. Add into the fact that four -handed dentistry is now commonplace and that materials are also improving, and it’s easy to see why the procedure has simplified in a relatively short time.

EndoCare takes referrals for complex endodontic cases and patients who suffer from dental anxiety. To find out more, please contact the team.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk