HOW FAR CAN WE GO WITH ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY? DIAGNOSTIC TO INTENTIONAL REPLANTATION – OUTCOMES, PERSPECTIVES AND CURRENT STATUS.

Lecturer – FDI Continuing Education Programme

Dr. Hubert Golabek DMD, PhD

Chairman of the Section of Endodontics of the Polish Dental Association

Poland

Endodontic microsurgery is an inherent part of contemporary endodontics that enables saving teeth, in which conventional non-surgical procedure would be ineffective. It is crucial for an endodontist to possess knowledge and skills in performing endodontic procedures not only from the crown access, but also from the opposite side – the root. Surgical and non-surgical interventions should be considered equally for treating disease of endodontic origin. It is not a treatment of last resort. Adequate planning, qualification and execution of the surgical procedure help to maintain teeth that would be otherwise extracted. The wide scope of endodontic microsurgery comprises procedures such as: diagnostic surgery, root-end surgery, resurgery, resorptive defects management or intentional replantation. The advancement in the field allows implementation of guided tissue regenerative methods and 3D-printed surgical guides. This lecture will summarize current knowledge and techniques that shape modern endodontic microsurgery with perspectives for further advancement. Appropriate indications, contraindications and key steps of a procedure, as well as limitations and challenges presented in the lecture will constitute a guide for beginning endodontists how to start the journey with microsurgical endodontics, as well as a thorough summary for experienced professionals. The presentation will be supported by literature and clinical cases to illustrate the discussed material. Microsurgical considerations from case selection to the outcome will be covered. Clinical advantages, disadvantages along with pitfalls will also be discussed. By integrating current evidence-based findings with clinical experience, this lecture aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the expanding possibilities of endodontic microsurgery and its role in modern dental practice.

Key knowledge/skills:

• Describe the range of procedures that form microsurgical endodontics
• Discuss indications and contraindications for microsurgical endodontics procedures
• Identify clinical phases of microsurgical apicoectomy
• Describe advantages of endodontic microsurgery over traditional root-end surgery
• Recognize evidence regarding the outcome of endodontic microsurgery