Agreement between 2D and 3D radiographic outcome assessment one year after periapical surgery

Two- and three-dimensional healing assessment after endodontic microsurgery in through-and-through periapical lesions: 5-year follow-up from a randomized controlled trial

AIM

To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcome of endodontic microsurgery in through-and-through periapical lesions at 1-year and 5-year follow-up with adjunct use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-two patients with large through-and-through periapical lesions were randomized in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) group and control group. Two-dimensional (2D) healing was evaluated with Molven's criteria and three-dimensional (3D) healing with modified PENN 3D criteria. Healing at resection plane (R), apical area (A), buccal cortex (BC), palatal cortex (PC) and overall bone healing (B) was assessed using CBCT scans. The volume of lesion was measured using ITK-Snap software. The analysis included comparison of 1- to 5-year intragroup (Friedman test/McNemar test) and intergroup scoring (Chi-square/ Mann-Whitney test). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of various factors on healing at 5 years.

RESULTS

Out of 32 patients/59 teeth evaluated after 1-year of endodontic microsurgery, 24 patients/44 teeth reported at 5 - year follow-up. Healing assessment with modified PENN 3D criteria revealed improvement in overall success rate of 66.7% at 1 year to 83.3% at 5 years, with no deterioration in any healing category. PRP group exhibited significantly better 3D healing than control group; both at 1 year (84.6% vs. 45.5%) and 5 years (100% vs. 63.6%). A significantly higher number of completely healed teeth were observed in PRP group than the control group at 5 years with respect to R, BC and B parameters. A volume reduction of 88% (91.4% PRP, 84% control) was depicted at 1 year and 94% (97.1% PRP, 91.1% control) at 5 years. None of the recorded factors including age, gender, size of lesion, preoperative swelling and sinus, histology of lesion, use of PRP, tooth location, preoperative buccal bone had significant effect on 3D healing at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This 5-year study suggested improvement in 3D radiographic healing of large through-and-through periapical lesions from 1 to 5 years with no deterioration in any healing parameter in both control and PRP groups. The additional use of PRP led to significantly better healing in such lesions. RACB index using CBCT allows better estimation of healing at resected, apical and cortical plane over modified PENN 3D or Molven's criteria.

Periapical healing following endodontic microsurgery with collagen-based bone-filling material: A randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate two- and three-dimensionally the effect of resorbable collagen-based bone-filling material on periapical healing of endodontic lesions with four-wall defects following endodontic microsurgery (EMS).

METHODOLOGY

This parallel, randomized controlled superiority clinical trial involved 86 lesions with the strictly endodontic origin and four-wall defect morphology. EMS procedures were performed by calibrated postgraduate residents. Before flap closure, osteotomies were randomized to the control or treatment group. In the control group, the flap was repositioned with no material added. In the treatment group, a collagen-based bone-filling augmentation material was placed into the osteotomy. Clinical and radiographic examinations were completed after 12 months. Periapical healing was evaluated by blinded evaluators using periapical (PA) radiographs according to Molven's criteria and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans according to PENN's 3D criteria. Cortical plate healing was scored according to the RAC/B index. The data were analysed using Fisher's exact test, Logistic regression models and Chi-squared test. The significance level was predetermined at p < .05.

RESULTS

Sixty-six cases were evaluated at the 12-month follow-up, with 30 and 36 cases in the control and treatment groups, respectively. Only the asymptomatic cases (control = 26, treatment = 32) were included in the radiographic evaluation. Twenty-three cases (88.5%) in the control and 28 (87.5%) cases in the treatment group demonstrated complete healing on PA radiographs (p = 1.000). On CBCT, 10 (38.4%) and 21 (65.6%) cases had completely healed in the control and treatment groups, respectively (p = .095). The re-establishment of the buccal cortical plate was detected in 12 (46.2%) and 22 (68.8%) cases in the control and treatment groups, respectively (p = .243).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the present study, the use of collagen-based bone-filling material had no statistically significant effect on the periapical healing of endodontic lesions with four-wall defect following EMS at the 12-month follow-up when evaluated by PA radiographs or CBCT scans. However, the observed higher percentage of a re-established cortical plate in the treatment group could suggest a clinical benefit that is of interest after surgical endodontic treatment.

Clinical Outcome and Predictors of Endodontic Microsurgery Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and identify the prognostic factors of endodontic microsurgery based on cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endodontic microsurgery in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included. The clinical outcomes were determined based on clinical and radiographic examinations after surgery 12-48 months. Radiographic healing was assessed on CBCT images by using the modified PENN 3-dimensional criteria and classified into 4 categories: complete, limited, uncertain, and unsatisfactory healing. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to detect outcome risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 204 teeth in 173 invited patients, 148 teeth of 126 patients were examined at review. On CBCT images, 88 teeth (59.5%) showed complete healing, and 42 (28.4%) teeth showed limited healing. All these 130 teeth were asymptomatic and achieved a clinical success rate of 87.8%. Uncertain healing was observed in 9 teeth, one of which was symptomatic. The remaining 9 teeth were unsatisfactory healing on CBCT scans, including 6 teeth with clinical symptoms and 3 free. Lesion type and root-end filling quality were significant outcome predictors (P < .05). The risk of treatment failure for teeth with combined endodontic-periodontal lesions was 8.6 times higher than that for teeth with isolated endodontic lesions. Adequate root-end filling quality improved the probability of success by 5.3 times.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on CBCT data, an adequate performed endodontic microsurgery could have predictable success in teeth without periodontal involvement.

Treatment-Related Factors Affecting the Success of Endodontic Microsurgery and the Influence of GTR on Radiographic Healing-A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

The primary objective of this retrospective study was to assess the correlation between treatment-related factors (resection angle, depth of retrograde filling, length of resected root and use of guided tissue regeneration-GTR) evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and the treatment outcomes of endodontic microsurgery (EMS). The secondary purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of the GTR technique on the radiographic healing state, taking into account the initial parameters of periapical lesions. In 161 cases, the local factors (volume of a lesion, bone destruction pattern, presence/absence of cortical bone destruction) were measured using preoperative CBCT images before undergoing EMS. At least one year after surgery, the outcome of EMS was classified as a success or a failure (based on radiographic and clinical criteria). Using postoperative CBCT, treatment-related factors (resection angle, depth of retrograde filling, and length of resected root) were measured. Additionally, the status of radiographic healing was evaluated (in accordance with modified PENN 3D criteria). Eighteen cases (11.18%) were classified as failures, and 143 were classified as successes (88.82%). Univariate analysis showed that there was no statistically significant influence of treatment-related factors on the healing outcome of EMS. An exact Fischer's test showed the significant impact of GTR on radiographic healing (P < 0.001) in apical lesions (P < 0.001), lesions with a volume between 100 mm3 and 450 mm3 (P < 0.009) and over 450 mm3 (P < 0.001), lesions with the destruction of one plate (P < 0.001), and lesions with the destruction of two plates (through and through) (P = 0.022). The use of GTR in apical lesions, lesions with volumes over 100 mm3, and lesions with the destruction of at least one plate is significantly associated with better radiographic healing.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of dynamic navigation in endodontic microsurgery: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical and radiological outcomes of novel dynamic navigation (DN)-aided endodontic microsurgery (EMS), with an analysis of potential prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six teeth from 32 patients who received DN-aided EMS were included. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at least 1 year postoperatively. Two calibrated endodontists assessed radiological outcomes according to two-dimensional (2D) periapical radiography (PA) and three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging using Rud's and Molven's criteria and modified PENN 3D criteria, respectively. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis of the predisposing factors.

RESULTS

Of the 32 patients with 46 treated teeth, 28 with 40 teeth were available for follow-up. Of the 28 patients, four (five teeth) refused to undergo CBCT and only underwent clinical and PA examinations, and the remaining 24 (35 teeth) underwent clinical, PA, and CBCT examinations. Combined clinical and radiographic data revealed a 95% (38/40) success rate in 2D healing evaluations and a 94.3% (33/35) success rate in 3D healing evaluations. No significant effect was found in sex, age, tooth type, arch type, preoperative lesion volume, preoperative maximum lesion size, presence/absence of crown and post, and the root canal filling state on the outcome of DN-aided EMS.

CONCLUSIONS

DN-aided EMS has a favorable prognosis and could be considered an effective and reliable treatment strategy. Further investigations with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

DN-aided EMS could be considered an effective and reliable treatment strategy.

Buccal plate thickness as a predictor for endodontic microsurgery outcomes: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between preoperative buccal plate thickness (BPT) and radiographic healing at the osteotomy site after endodontic microsurgery (EMS) with and without guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

STUDY DESIGN

The retrospective sample of 143 individuals who had EMS with pre- and postoperative CBCT scans available were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (GTR) and group 2 (no GTR), which were further divided into teeth where BPT was >1.0 mm or ≤1.0 mm. Bone healing was assessed by subjective evaluation of bone formation at the resected root surface (I₁), periapical bone formation (I₂), cortical plate formation (I₃), and a derived index (Author2-Author1 Indices) (I₄), calculated by a composite score of I₁ and I₂.

RESULTS

There was no significant impact on surgical healing with the use of GTR when BPT is >1.0 mm. The GTR had a significant impact on surgical healing when the BPT was ≤1.0 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supported the use of CBCT to evaluate three-dimensional healing after EMS. The Author2-Author1 index was found to be a clinically relevant method for assessing healing. To improve healing rate, the EMS cases with a preoperative BPT of ≤1.0 mm may benefit from GTR.

The effect of periapical lesion size on the success rate of different endodontic treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review evaluated the effect of periapical lesion (PL) size on the success rate of different endodontic treatments, including root canal treatment (RCT), non-surgical retreatment (NSR), and apical surgery (AS).

METHODS

Cohorts and randomized controlled trials investigating the outcomes of endodontic treatment of permanent teeth with PL and its size were identified electronically through Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal process. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the 11-item Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for randomized controlled trials. The success rates of the endodontic treatments (small lesions and large lesions) were estimated using the rate ratios (RRs) with an associated 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Out of 44 included studies, 42 were cohort, and 2 were randomized controlled trials. Thirty-two studies had poor quality. For the meta-analysis, five studies in RCT, 4 in NSR, and 3 in AS were considered. The RR of the endodontic treatment success in PLs was 1.04 in RCT (95% CI, 0.99-1.07), 1.11 in NSR (95% CI, 0.99-1.24), and 1.06 in AS (95% CI, 0.97-1.16). Only sub-group analysis of long-term follow-up of RCT showed a significantly higher success rate in small lesions than in large lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the quality of studies and variation in outcomes and size classification, our meta-analysis demonstrated that the PL size had no significant effect on the success rate of different endodontic treatments.

PROBE 2023 guidelines for reporting observational studies in endodontics: Explanation and elaboration

Observational studies play a critical role in evaluating the prevalence and incidence of conditions or diseases in populations as well as in defining the benefits and potential hazards of health-related interventions. There are currently no reporting guidelines for observational studies in the field of Endodontics. The Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology (PRIDE) team has developed and published new reporting guidelines for observational-based studies called the 'Preferred Reporting items for OBservational studies in Endodontics (PROBE) 2023' guidelines. The PROBE 2023 guidelines were developed exclusively for the speciality of Endodontics by integrating and adapting the 'STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)' checklist and the 'Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP)' principles. The recommendations of the Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines were adhered to throughout the process of developing the guidelines. The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for authors by providing an explanation for each of the items in the PROBE 2023 checklist along with relevant examples from the literature. The document also offers advice to authors on how they can address each item in their manuscript before submission to a journal. The PROBE 2023 checklist is freely accessible and downloadable from the PRIDE website (http://pride-endodonticguidelines.org/probe/).

Comparative histological evaluation of two PRF formulations (PRF High and PRF Medium) on quality of life and healing outcome of apicomarginal defects: A randomized clinical trial

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to investigate the effects of two PRF formulations (PRF High and PRF Medium) on quality of life and healing outcome (2D and 3D) of apicomarginal defects. Patients presenting with endodontic lesions and concomitant periodontal communication were randomly allocated to PRF High and PRF Medium groups. The treatment protocol in each group included a periapical surgical procedure with placement of PRF clot and membrane in the bony defect and on the denuded root surface, respectively. Quality of life was assessed for 1 week after surgery following a modified version of the patient's perception questionnaire. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed using Rud and Molven 2D criteria and Modified PENN 3D criteria. Buccal bone formation was assessed using sagittal and corresponding axial sections in CBCT. Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining and attaching primary antibodies to tissue sections. In total, 40 patients were enrolled in the trial (N = 20 per group). PRF Medium group patients reported significantly less swelling on the 1st (p = 0.036), 2nd (p = 0.034), and 3rd (p = 0.023) days, and average pain on the 2nd (p = 0.031), 3rd (p = 0.03), and 4th (p = 0.04) days postoperatively. The difference in success rate for periapical healing was non-significant between the PRF Medium group (89.5%) and PRF High group (90%), in both 2D and 3D imaging (p = 0.957). The formation of buccal bone was observed in five cases (26.3%) and four cases (20%) in the PRF Medium and PRF High groups, respectively, with a non-significant difference (p = 0.575). PRF Medium clots had a loose fibrin structure with a significantly higher number of neutrophils (473.79 ± 82.89 per mm²) than PRF High clots, which had a dense structure and fewer neutrophils (253.15 ± 63.86 per mm²) (p = 0.001). Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) promoted satisfactory periapical healing, with no significant difference between the groups. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that PRF Medium should be preferred over PRF High when the patients' quality of life is the priority.

Prognostic Predictors of Endodontic Microsurgery: Radiographic Assessment

Objective

This study aimed to compare the healing outcomes of endodontic microsurgery (EMS) using 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) radiographic evaluation in a Chinese population. The prognostic factors of EMS were identified according to the 2D and 3D healing classifications.

Materials and methods

The teeth (n = 82) were studied using 2D and 3D radiographic examinations. The 2D and 3D healing criteria were used to evaluate the healing outcome. Prognostic factors were investigated based on healing outcomes. Data were analysed using SPSS, and P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

There were significant differences between 2D and 3D healing outcomes (P = .004). For the 3D images, age older than 45 years was found to be a significant negative predictor (P = .005).

Conclusions

Cone-beam computed tomographic images provided more precise evaluation of periapical lesions and healing outcomes of EMS than conventional periapical radiographs. Age (>45 years) of the patients exhibited a significant influence on the healing outcome of EMS as determined using 3D images.

Is periapical surgery follow-up with only two-dimensional radiographs reliable? A retrospective cohort type sensitivity study

Background

Two-dimensional (2D) radiographic techniques are commonly used for assessing lesion prognosis after endodontic surgery. The present retrospective cohort study analyzes the sensitivity and ability of different radiographic techniques in obtaining area and volume measurements of periapical lesions.

Material and Methods

Preoperative and follow-up (6-48 months) periapical and panoramic radiographs (index test) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (reference standard) were selected from an endodontic microsurgery database. Sensitivity was analyzed independently by two examiners. The areas of the 2D radiographic images and CBCT volumes were studied using Itk-Snap software and Romexis viewer.

Results

The sample comprised 105 patients and 105 teeth, with a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 6-48). Preoperatively, CBCT detected all the periapical areas, periapical radiography detected 67, and panoramic radiography detected 60. Postoperatively, of the 52 cases in which CBCT detected remains of the periapical area, periapical radiography detected 22, and panoramic radiography detected 17. The measurements of the areas obtained by the 2D methods, and the volumes obtained by CBCT, had to be transformed into linear measures for comparison purposes. The measurements were found to be significantly different in both the preoperative and the follow-up images.

Conclusions

 Periapical radiography showed greater sensitivity than panoramic radiography, both preoperatively and at follow-up. The lesions measured with CBCT were larger, with significant differences than as evidenced by the periapical and panoramic radiographs.

Key words:Periapical radiography, panoramic radiography, CBCT, sensitivity, treatment outcome, size of periapical radiolucency, area, volume.

Outcome of Periapical Surgery in Molars: A Retrospective Analysis of 424 Teeth

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome of periapical surgery in a large number of molars in order to identify possible variables that might affect the outcome.

METHODS

The healing outcome of patients undergoing periapical surgery of molars from October 1999 to October 2019 was retrospectively evaluated. Outcome was dichotomized into "healed" and "nonhealed" using well-established clinical and radiographic healing criteria. The potential influence of patient-, tooth-, and treatment-related parameters on the healing outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 424 molars in the same number of patients (45.5% male and 54.5% female) were evaluated. Three hundred seventy-two molars were classified as healed (87.7%). Three significant outcome predictors were identified: 1-year follow-up versus >1-5 years, >5-10 years, and >10 years (95.3% vs 82.2%, 76.3%, and 76.5% healed, respectively; P < .0001); root end filling material with bioceramic root repair material versus mineral trioxide aggregate (96.9% vs. 86.3% healed, respectively; P = .001); and preoperative evaluation based on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging versus 2-dimensional radiography (90.2% vs 81.4% healed, respectively; P = .02). Sex, age, tooth location, type of restoration, attachment level, presence of a post, quality of the root canal filling, technique of root end preparation, administration of antibiotics, and type of surgery had no significant impact on the healing outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The healed rate for the concave (Retroplast) and cavity (mineral trioxide aggregate, SuperEBA [Staident International, Staines, UK], and bioceramic root repair material) root end preparation technique over all follow-up periods was 84% and 88.5%, respectively. The follow-up period, root end filling material, and preoperative evaluation based on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging had a significant influence on the healing outcome.

A One-Year Radiographic Healing Assessment after Endodontic Microsurgery Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Scans

This study aimed to evaluate one-year radiographic healing after endodontic microsurgery using CBCT with modified PENN 3D criteria and to compare the outcome with results evaluated using Molven’s criteria. A total of 107 teeth from 96 patients were evaluated one year after endodontic microsurgery by using CBCT scans with modified PENN 3D criteria and periapical radiographs with Molven’s criteria. Both preoperative and postoperative lesion volumes were calculated using ITK-SNAP (free software). Radiographic healing assessment using periapical radiographs and CBCT images, and preoperative and postoperative lesion volume measurements were performed independently by two examiners. The assessment using Molven’s criteria resulted in 75 complete healings, 18 incomplete healings, eight uncertain healings, and six unsatisfactory healings. Based on modified PENN 3D criteria, 64 teeth were categorized as complete healing, 29 teeth as limited healing, six teeth as uncertain healing, and eight teeth as unsatisfactory healing. With the one-year follow-up, CBCT scans showed a lower healing tendency than did periapical radiography. The volumes of apical radiolucency after the surgery were reduced by 77.7% on average at one-year follow up.

Long-Term Prognosis of Endodontic Microsurgery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives: The long-term outcome of endodontic microsurgery (EMS) performed on root-filled teeth affected by post-treatment apical periodontitis (AP) has been a matter of debate, re-launched by the introduction of novel root-end filling materials which have been proven to improve the short-term outcome of EMS. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcome of endodontic microsurgery in teeth diagnosed with secondary AP through radiographic evaluation. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined a priori to select the best longitudinal evidence. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) and prospective clinical studies (PCS), with a follow-up ≥ 2-year, and exhibiting well-established clinical and radiographic outcome criteria, were selected. Results: A total of 573 articles were obtained, from which 10 fulfill inclusion criteria: 6 PCS and 4 RCT. Meta-analysis showed a pooled proportion of success rate of 91.3%, from an overall amount of 453 treated teeth included in RCT; from overall 839 included teeth in PCS, a pooled success rate of 78.4% was observed, with the follow-up time ranging from 2 to 13-years. Survival rate outcomes varied from 79 to 100% for the same follow-up period. Five prognostic factors with influence on the outcome were disclosed: smoking habits, tooth location and type, absence/presence of dentinal defects, interproximal bone level, and root-end filling material. Conclusions: High success rates and predictable results can be expected when EMS is performed by trained endodontists, allowing good prognosis and preservation of teeth affected by secondary AP.

Effects of Dimensions of Root-End Fillings and Peripheral Root Dentine on the Healing Outcome of Apical Surgery

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess dimensions of root-end fillings (REFs), as well as peripheral root dentine (PRD) and their effects on the healing outcome of apical surgery.

Methods:

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were utilized to measure the REF length and width and the PRD thickness in 61 roots of 53 teeth 1 year after apical surgery. Measurements were taken in the mesio-distal as well as bucco-lingual directions. The REF alignment with respect to the root axis was also evaluated. In addition, the dimensions of REF and PRD were assessed for possible correlations with the healing outcome. Criteria for determining the healing outcome included clinical and radiographic parameters.

Results:

The mean REF length was 2.02±0.52 mm. No significant differences were observed with regard to tooth groups, but one-canal roots had a significantly longer mean REF than two-canal roots (P=0.006). The mean REF widths were 1.14±0.24 mm mesio-distally and 2.61±1.24 mm bucco-lingually. Roots with two canals presented a significantly wider REF (P<0.001) in the bucco-lingual dimension but had a significantly narrower REF in the mesio-distal direction (P<0.001) compared to roots with single canals. PRD measured on average 1.19±0.23 mm at the resection level and 1.44±0.27 mm at the coronal end of the REF. Almost all REFs were perfectly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the roots. With regard to healing outcomes, no correlations were found with REF and PRD values, respectively.

Conclusion:

The mean REF length was 2.02 mm. On average, a thickness >1 mm of peripheral root dentine was maintained. The REF or PRD dimensions had no statistical effect on the healing outcome.

Impact of cone beam computed tomography on periapical assessment and treatment planning five to eleven years after surgical endodontic retreatment

AIM

To evaluate how additional information from Cone Beam CT (CBCT) impacts on periapical assessment and treatment planning based on clinical examination and periapical radiographs (PR) in cases followed up five to eleven years after surgical endodontic retreatment (SER).

METHODOLOGY

Patients receiving SER during 2004-2010 were reinvited for follow-up examination including clinical examination, PR, and CBCT. In total, 108 patients (119 teeth) were reinvited, 74 patients (83 teeth) accepted to participate. Three observers initially assessed PR according to the four-scaled, increasing disease severity criteria by Rud et al. (International Journal of Oral Surgery, 1, 1972 and 195) and Molven et al. (International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 16, and 432): 'Radiographic assessment A'. By including clinical information 'Treatment plan A' was made as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) further observation, 3) SER reoperation (SER-R), or 4) extraction. Hereafter, the CBCT volume was assessed and the information incorporated for 'Radiographic assessment B' followed by 'Treatment plan B'. Agreement between radiographic assessments and between treatment plans was recorded and assessed statistically by Stuart-Maxwell test for marginal homogeneity.

RESULTS

Nine teeth had been extracted; thus, the final analysis included 74 teeth (66 patients). The radiographic assessment was changed as a result of the CBCT evaluation in 38 cases (51.4%), of which 35 (47.3%) were to a higher Rud & Molven score, P < 0.001. The treatment plan was changed for 18 teeth (24.3%). For 14 teeth (18.9%), the change was from no treatment or further observation to a more invasive treatment plan (SER-R or extraction), P = 0.005.

CONCLUSION

The use of CBCT for long-term follow-up after SER led to more cases diagnosed with persisting or recurrent apical periodontitis and hence often to the recommendation of a more invasive treatment modality.

Diagnostic validity of periapical radiography and CBCT for assessing periapical lesions that persist after endodontic surgery

OBJECTIVES

Traditionally, healing after surgical endodontic retreatment (SER); i.e. apicectomy with or without a retrograde filling, is assessed in periapical radiographs (PR). Recently, the use of cone beam CT (CBCT) has increased within endodontics. Generally, CBCT detects more periapical lesions than PR, but basic research on the true nature of these lesions is missing. The objective was to assess the diagnostic validity of PR and CBCT for determining inflammation in SER cases that were re-operated (SER-R) due to unsuccessful healing, using histology of the periapical lesion as reference for inflammation.

METHODS

Records from 149 patients, receiving SER 2004-10, were screened. In total 108 patients (119 teeth) were recalled for clinical follow-up examination, PR and CBCT, of which 74 patients (83 teeth) participated. Three observers assessed PR and CBCT as "successful healing" or "unsuccessful healing" using Rud and Molven's criteria. SER-R was offered to all non-healed teeth with expected favourable prognosis for subsequent functional retention. During SER-R, biopsy was performed and histopathology verified whether or not inflammation was present.

RESULTS

All re-operated cases were assessed non-healed in CBCT while 11 of these were assessed successfully healed in PR. Nineteen biopsies were examined. Histopathologic diagnosis revealed 42% (teeth = 8) without periapical inflammation, 16% (teeth = 3) with mild inflammation and 42% (teeth = 8) with moderate to intense inflammation. A correct diagnosis was obtained in 58% with CBCT (true positives) and 63% with PR (true positives+true negatives).

CONCLUSIONS

Of the re-operated teeth, 42% had no periapical inflammatory lesion, and hence no benefit from SER-R. Not all lesions observed in CBCT represented periapical inflammatory lesions.

A Comparison of 2- and 3-dimensional Healing Assessment after Endodontic Surgery Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Volumes or Periapical Radiographs

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the assessment of healing after endodontic microsurgery using 2-dimensional (2D) periapical films versus 3-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.

METHODS

The healing of 51 teeth from 44 patients was evaluated using Molven's criteria (2D) and modified PENN 3D criteria. The absolute area (2D) and volume (3D) changes of apical lesions preoperatively and at follow-up were calculated by segmentation using OsiriX software (Pixmeo, Bernex, Switzerland) and ITK-Snap (free software).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative lesion volumes of 95.34 mm³ (n = 51, standard deviation [SD] ±196.28 mm³) versus 6.48 mm³ (n = 51, SD ±17.70 mm³) at follow-up (P < .05). The mean volume reduction was 83.7%. Preoperatively, mean lesion areas on periapical films were 13.55 mm² (n = 51, SD ±18.80 mm²) and 1.83 mm² (n = 51, SD ±.68 mm²) at follow-up (P < .05). According to Molven's criteria, 40 teeth were classified as complete healing, 7 as incomplete healing, and 4 as uncertain healing. Based on the modified PENN 3D criteria, 33 teeth were classified as complete healing, 14 as limited healing, 1 as uncertain healing, and 3 as unsatisfactory healing. The variation in the distribution of the 2D and 3D healing classifications was significantly different (P < .05). Periapical healing statuses incomplete healing or uncertain healing according to Molven's criteria could be clearly classified using 3D criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT analysis allowed a more precise evaluation of periapical lesions and healing of endodontic microsurgery than periapical films. Significant differences existed between the 2 methods. Over the observation period, the mean periapical lesion sizes significantly decreased in volume. Given the correct indications, the use of CBCT imaging may be a valuable tool for the evaluation of healing of endodontic surgery.

Changes of Periodontal Parameters after Apical Surgery: Correlation of Clinical and Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Data

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of the marginal periodontium 1 year after apical surgery.

METHODS

Clinical and radiographic (cone-beam computed tomographic) examinations of 54 teeth treated with buccal access flaps for apical surgery were performed at baseline and after 1 year. Clinical assessment included measurements of probing pocket depth, the level of gingival margin (GM), and the width of keratinized tissue. Subsequently, the clinical attachment level (CAL) and the width of the attached gingiva were calculated. On bucco-oral cone-beam computed tomographic sections, the height and thickness of the crestal bone and the thickness of the alveolar bone were measured at different levels.

RESULTS

In general, the calculated mean changes of periodontal tissue and crestal/alveolar bone were only minimal. Significant mean changes included only GM and CAL on midoral aspects and the distance from the cementoenamel junction or restoration margin on midbuccal sites. CAL was further correlated with the thickness of the alveolar bone at 3 mm below the cementoenamel junction or restoration margin. None of the clinically and radiographically calculated mean changes were correlated with sex, biotype, or incision techniques. With regard to age, older patients showed significantly more gingival recession on the buccal aspect compared with younger individuals. Furthermore, mean changes of the midbuccal width of the attached gingiva were positively correlated with the healing outcome, whereas mean changes of the midoral GM and CAL were negatively correlated with the healing outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Within an observation period of 1 year, the marginal periodontium and its underlying bone structures did not suffer from significant changes after apical surgery.

Decompression of a Large Periapical Lesion: A Case Report of 4-Year Follow-Up

This case report described the endodontic treatment and decompression of an extensive lesion in the anterior region of the mandible, detected during clinical and radiographic examination, in a patient with a complaint of slight tenderness to palpation in the area of mandibular right lateral incisor and canine. These teeth had been accessed without proper clinical evaluation, and their pulp tissues were exposed. The periodontal tissues were healthy, with no signs of inflammation or fistula. On radiographic examination, a radiolucent lesion with well-defined borders was seen extending from the distal root of mandibular left second premolar to the mesial root of mandibular right second premolar. Central and lateral mandibular left incisors were unresponsive to thermal pulp testing and exhibited coronal discoloration, consistent with a diagnosis of pulp necrosis. Due to persistent discharge from the root canal system during endodontic procedures despite application of intracanal medicament (calcium hydroxide paste), the decision was made to biopsy and decompress the lesion and conclude endodontic treatment. Histopathologic examination revealed a periapical granuloma. After endodontic treatment of the involved teeth, at 4-year clinical and radiographic follow-up, the affected region was almost completely repaired.