Dynamically guided transantral piezoelectric endodontic microsurgery: A case report with technical considerations

Int Endod J. 2024 Apr;57(4):490-500. doi: 10.1111/iej.14026. Epub 2024 Jan 20.

Abstract

Aim: Endodontic microsurgery (EMS) of maxillary molars may represent a complex challenge to the clinician due to the location of the roots and the proximity of the maxillary sinus floor. This report aimed to describe the simultaneous use of a computer-assisted dynamic navigation (C-ADN) system and piezoelectric bony-window osteotomy for the transantral microsurgical approach of a maxillary left first molar with adequate root canal filling and symptomatic apical periodontitis.

Summary: This case report highlights the importance of C-ADN to carry out a minimally invasive buccal surgical access to palatal roots affected by apical periodontitis and provides a practical example to help clinicians make treatment decisions based on the available evidence. Clinical and tomographic evaluations were performed before the surgical procedure and at 24-month follow-up. This case was treated using a C-ADN system fitted to a piezotome for the buccal approach of the buccal roots, maxillary sinus membrane lifting, and for transantral location, root-end resection, cavity preparation, and filling of the palatal root. The navigation system allowed to achieve an accurate apical canal terminus location and root-end filling of the three roots with a minimally invasive piezoelectric crypt approach. At the 24-month follow-up examination, the patient remains asymptomatic, with normal periapical structures, and regeneration of maxillary sinus walls. It was concluded that the combination of dynamic navigation with piezoelectric bony-window osteotomy offers enhanced accuracy, tissue preservation, diminished risk of iatrogenic complications, and could maximize success and survival rates in transantral EMS.

Keywords: bone-lid technique; case report; computer-assited dynamic navigation; guided endodontic microsurgery; piezoelectric surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Apicoectomy / methods
  • Humans
  • Microsurgery / methods
  • Periapical Periodontitis* / surgery
  • Sinus Floor Augmentation*
  • Tooth Root / surgery