PREDICTABLE APICAL MICROSURGERY

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Since the early 1990’s, the introduction of enhanced vision into our specialty endodontic practices has greatly increased the predictability of surgical endodontic procedures. The Surgical Operating Microscope (SOM) has become an essential addition to our armamentaria, permitting endodontists to achieve a higher level of treatment for our patients. Apical microsurgery is very predictable, as long as a definite protocol is followed. There are ten distinct steps that must be followed in their proper order and completeness to ensure success. These steps will be thoroughly discussed, and the participants will have an opportunity to apply them on special anatomically designed models.

At the conclusion of this two day course, the participants should be able to:

• Feel comfortable making a decision on whether, or not, apical microsurgery is the best approach
• Understand the probable causes of the previously failed attempt at endodontic treatment and how to best achieve a predictable result
• Make the patient and the surgical team comfortable during the entire procedure
• Be sure of profound anesthesia and achieve hemostasis throughout the surgical procedure
• Choose between various types of flap designs for better vision
• Atraumatically retract the flap for ease of access
• Access the surgical site, remove the lesion and perform the correct apical resection
• Keep the crypt and root-end managed for adequate vision
• Accomplish anatomically correct root-end preparations and place the fill
• Choose the best root-end filling material
• Decide on what, if any, Guided Bone Regeneration is needed, and the best techniques
• Perform atraumatic repositioning of the flap
• Place sutures that can be removed in 24 – 48 hours post-operatively
• Use atraumatic techniques that virtually eliminate post-operative swelling and discomfort
• Prescribe the most effective drugs for patient comfort, rapid, and uneventful healing