Surgical Endodontic Treatment Research Articles

Harnessing antimicrobial peptides in endodontics.

Endodontic therapy includes various procedures such as vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment and regenerative endodontic procedures. Disinfection and tissue repair are crucial for the success of these therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutics that can effectively target microbiota, eliminate biofilms, modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, no current endodontic agents can achieve these goals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are sequences of amino acids, have gained attention due to their unique advantages, including reduced susceptibility to drug resistance, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and the ability to modulate the immune response of the organism effectively. This review systematically discusses the structure, mechanisms of action, novel designs and limitations of AMPs. Additionally, it highlights the efforts made by researchers to overcome peptide shortcomings and emphasizes the potential applications of AMPs in endodontic treatments.

Prospective Clinical Study Evaluating The V Flap for Surgical Endodontic Treatment of Periapical Lesions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the V shaped flap for surgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions. The study included 62 patients in good general health, referred to the Department of oral surgery in the specialized center of Dentistry in Basra between March 2009 and June 2010, for surgical endodontic treatment. V shaped flap was used in all cases. Our intraoperative and postoperative clinical findings regarding the implentation of the vestibular V flap in surgical treatment of periapical diseases, have confirmed its individualy. It was perform the procedure which enabled a traumatic retraction with abundant blood supply and repositioning with a few stitches. the following day 62.9% of the patients experienced no pain, and mild swelling of the surgical site was evident in 79 % of the cases. The healing was complete, without any signs of tissue retraction and dehiscence.

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

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). 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. 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). 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.

Effect of Guided Tissue Regeneration on the Success of Surgical Endodontic Treatment of Teeth with Endodontic-Periodontal Lesions: a Systematic Review.

Endodontic-periodontal lesions may need surgical approach and the application of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to be treated by a combined approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GTR on the success (clinical and radiological healing) of teeth with endodontic-periodontal lesions treated by modern surgical endodontic treatment, by means of a systematic review of the literature. An exhaustive electronic (Medline, Embase and Scopus searched from inception to August 2020) and manual literature search combined with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was undertaken to identify any clinical (prospective case series or comparative trials) studies that assessed the added benefit of GTR in modern surgical endodontic treatment of teeth with endodontic-periodontal lesions. The success of the treatment was assessed based on radiographic healing and clinical evaluations. The risk of bias of the identified studies was evaluated using the Cochrane's collaboration RoB 2.0 tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. A systematic literature search for eligible reports retrieved three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective single arm study with a total of 125 teeth in 125 subjects. One of the RCTs has a low risk of bias, while the other two raised some concerns, using the RoB 2.0 tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the results, it was not possible to perform a comparative meta-analysis and the results are presented in a narrative manner and by calculating pooled outcomes. Pooling together the data from all the included studies, the reported outcome was of complete healing in 58.4% of all cases, of scar tissue formation / incomplete healing in 24% of cases, of uncertain healing in 12.8% of cases, and of failure in 4.8% of all analyzed teeth, with a follow-up ranging from 12 to 60 months. The scientific evidence about the use of GTR in modern surgical endodontic treatment of endodontic-periodontal lesion is sparse, and the available results are derived from very heterogeneous studies, thus not permitting to clarify which is the most effective treatment option in these cases, also due to the absence of studies comparing GTR versus no GTR.

Endodontic Update: 50 years of progress

The science of endodontology and the practice of endodontics have changed immeasurably in the last 50 years. Improved understanding of the aetiology of peri-radicular diseases, in particular the central role of micro-organisms, has driven a more biological approach to treatment. Advances in technology have brought to market sophisticated armamentaria that have facilitated and enhanced clinical delivery. The development of biomaterials and the refinement of clinical techniques have contributed to improved outcomes for both non-surgical and surgical endodontic treatments. The present article summarizes the changes in this field in the past 50 years, and updates the reader on contemporary clinical endodontic practice. CPD/Clinical Relevance: An awareness of historical developments in the field of endodontics provides useful context and an increased understanding of current practices

Factors that influence the outcomes of surgical endodontic treatment.

Surgical endodontic treatment encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures, amongst which root-end cavity preparation and filling, retrograde root canal treatment and through-and-through endodontic surgery, may be classified under the umbrella term 'Root-end surgery'. This narrative review considers the available data on periapical healing, soft tissue healing, tooth survival and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), following root-end surgery and the factors that affect its outcomes. The pooled periapical healed rate for the studies published up to 2021 was 69% (95% CI: 65%, 73%) but increased to 76% (95% CI: 66%, 86%) when only data from the 2020's studies were analysed. The prognostic factors consistently reported for periapical healing have included: pre-operative periapical lesion with complete loss of buccal plate, quality of root-end preparation, remaining thickness of apical root dentine and restorative status. Soft tissue healing of the reflected flap was found to have a positive association with periapical healing. The survival rates following root-end surgery range from 48% to 93%, with failure of periapical healing associated with root and crown fracture, being the predominant reasons for tooth extraction. The factors influencing impact of root-end surgery on patients' quality of life could not be adequately evaluated due to design flaws in the available studies. In conclusion, if root canal treatment failure due to leakage through cracks, fractures or restoration margin are excluded, the remaining cases may represent localized residual infection and inflammation at the periapex that should be amenable to predictable management with the aid of modern root-end surgery.

Bioceramics in endodontics – A review

The field of dentistry is constantly changing with the introduction of new materials and techniques that resulted in good treatment outcome.Bio-ceramics are amongst the recently introduced materials which have changed the face of dentistry. Bioceramics are biocompatible, nontoxic, non-shrinking and usually chemically stable within the biological environment.The development of bioceramic based materials has greatly improved the dentist’s possibilities to successfully treat cases such as pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexification, apicoectomy and repair of defects caused by accidental perforation and resorption. The application of bioceramic materials has changed both surgical and non- surgical endodontic treatment, providing a promising direction for the preservation of patients’ teeth.

Comparative Evaluation of Periapical Healing Outcome Following Non Surgical Endodontic Treatment in Single-visit versus Multiplevisit in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Apical periodontitis is very common in those with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes alters immunity, which impacts how periapical tissue heals. The decision between one-visit and multiple-visit root canal therapy is currently up for debate. Aim: To compare periapical healing following single-visit endodontic therapy and multiple-visit endodontic therapy in type 2 diabetic patients by clinical assessment. Materials and Methods: The present randomised singleblinded clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from December 2017 to October 2019. A total of 46 patients having type 2 diabetes, indicated for root canal treatment participated in the study and were randomly split into two groups: group I: Single-visit endodontic treatment and group II: Multiple-visit endodontic treatment. Thereafter, endodontic treatment was carried out on all the patients and the patients were recalled for evaluation at 1-week, 3-month and 6-month time intervals. The clinical assessment was done based on the absence of pain, swelling and sinus tract formation. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Results: Results showed that the success rate based on clinical assessment at one week for a single-visit and multi-visit group was 56.52% for both the groups and at three months 90.47% and 86.36%, respectively. At six months, the single-visit group reported 100% success, while the multi-visit group reported 95% success. However, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the study, it was concluded that clinically, a higher success rate was found after six months in patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated in a single-visit, which was not statistically significant.

Surgical endodontic treatment of maxillary incisors: Case report

This study aims to highlight the possibility of an effective endodontic surgical surgery when nonsurgical treatment of the right maxillary anterior teeth has failed. One year after the apicoectomy, the periapical lesion has completely healed, new bone has formed, and the patient is symptom-free.

Large Radicular cyst disfiguring the midline face; a case report

A radicular cyst is an inflammatory odontogenic cyst of the jaw commonly found at the apices of the tooth of the anterior maxilla. It develops as a sequel of untreated dental caries with pulp necrosis and periapical infection. Different treatment includes surgical endodontic treatment, extraction of the involving tooth, marsupialization, and enucleation with primary closure followed by rehabilitation. We presented a case of a huge midline radicular cyst of a 52 years lady who presented with increasing size of swelling at the midline of the upper lip region which makes patients ugly for 25 years. It leads to the mass effect at the philtrum of the upper labium at midlines leads to elevation and ugly looking face making her socially embarrassing. Endoscope-assisted complete excision was performed via midline mini visor incision and with no evidence of recurrence found at three-month follow-up.

Association between the baseline gene expression profile in periapical granuloma and periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment

In this study, we have investigated the association between the baseline gene expression profile in periapical granuloma and periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment. Twenty-seven patients aged between 15 and 57 years underwent periapical surgery. The retrieved periapical tissue sample was used for mRNA expression analysis of COL1A1, VTN, ITGA5, IL-4, TNF, ANGPT, VEGFA, and CTGF. All patients were recalled after 6 and 12 months for periapical healing evaluation. Healing was then correlated with baseline gene expression. Healing was observed in 15 patients at the end of 6 months, which increased to 21 patients after 12 months. Six patients showed no healing even after 12 months. Analysis of baseline expression levels of the tested genes with healing status showed the mean relative expression of VTN, VEGFA, ANGPT, TNF, and CTGF to be significantly different (p < 0.05) between the healing group (6 and 12 months) (72.99%) and the non-healing (94.42%) group. Periapical Index scores 3–5 exhibited a positive correlation with ITGA-5 expression. Overexpression of ANGPT and a strong positive correlation between ITGA5 and PAI scores in the non-healing group of patients may suggest these genes to be a potential prognostic biomarker for periapical wound non-healing after surgical endodontic treatment.

Effectiveness of different root-end filling materials in modern surgical endodontic treatment: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background/purposeThere is controversial evidence on the best choice for root-end filling materials in follow-up periods and treatment protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different root-end filling materials in modern surgical endodontic treatment. Materials and methodsA total of 16 studies with a minimum follow-up of 12-months were qualified to be reviewed, involving randomized control trials and observational studies in PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus until September 1, 2021. The outcome of modern surgical endodontic treatment was assessed based on clinical and radiographic success. Direct comparisons were combined to estimate indirect comparisons, and the estimated effect size was analyzed using the odds ratio (OR). The comparative effectiveness of all materials for target outcomes were shown as P-score. ResultsWithin this network meta-analysis, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) had superior effects among all root-end filling materials at 12-months follow-up. (MTA: OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 0.84–4.91; P-score, 0.86; reference material, gutta-percha). In further sensitivity analyses, MTA, calcium silicate-based root repair material (RRM) and super EBA cement (Super EBA) were associated with significantly higher success rates at 12-months follow-up. (MTA: OR, 5.62; 95% CI, 1.58–19.99; P-score, 0.88; RRM: OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.05–25.98; P-score, 0.74; Super EBA: OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.06–15.04; P-score, 0.54; reference material, gutta-percha). ConclusionMTA remains the best choice for root-end filling materials of modern surgical endodontic treatment at the 12-month follow-up. Comparative randomized clinical trials in the long-term follow-up are warranted in future investigations.

Influence of Guided Tissue Regeneration Techniques on the Success Rate of Healing of Surgical Endodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Several regeneration techniques and materials have been proposed for the healing of bone defects after surgical endodontic treatment; however, the existing literature does not provide evidence on the most recommended techniques or materials. The aim of the present systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) is to summarize the clinical evidence on the efficacy of guided tissue regeneration techniques (GRTs). The PRISMA recommendations were followed. Four databases were searched up to December 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A fixed effects model and frequentist approach were used in the NMA. Direct GRT technique comparisons were combined to estimate indirect comparisons, and the estimated effect size of the comparisons was analyzed using the odds ratio (OR). Inconsistency was assessed with the Q test, with a significance level of p < 0.01, and a net heat plot. A total of 274 articles was identified, and 11 RCTs (6 direct comparisons of 15 techniques) were included in the NMA, which examined 6 GRT techniques: control, Os, PL, MB, MB + Os, and MB + PL. The MB + Os group compared to the control (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.36–9.90) and to the MB group (OR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.07–11.3) showed statistically significant ORs (p ˂ 0.05). The MB + Os group presented the highest degree of certainly (P-score = 0.93).

Assessment of the relationship of the distance between mandibular first and second molars with the inferior alveolar canal and cortical bone plate in an Egyptian subpopulation: a CBCT study.

The aim of the current cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to evaluate the proximity of mandibular first and second molar roots to the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and mandibular cortex in an Egyptian subpopulation. Scans of 120 patients (480 molars, 960 roots) were obtained from the College of Dentistry database at the Suez Canal University, Egypt. Buccal and lingual bone plates and root thickness were measured at the specified resected root end 3 mm from the radiographic apex, and so was the proximity of the root apices to the IAC. Measurements of the right and left mandibular first and second molars were recorded for each root. Three examiners performed the measurements separately. ANOVA was used to compare the different roots. Bonferroni's post-hoc test was used for pair-wise comparisons when ANOVA was significant. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The findings displayed a closer proximity of the mandibular second molar apices to the IAC, as compared to the mandibular first molars. The mesial roots were at a shorter distance than the distal ones. Moreover, the mandibular second molars revealed the thickest total bone width including the root. So, it is beneficial for endodontists to be aware of the relation of the mandibular first and second molars to the surrounding cortical bone plates and the IAC before starting either nonsurgical or surgical endodontic treatment.

Estimating the prevalence of COVID-19 disease and its effect among trainees in the endodontic postgraduate programs in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A web-based survey study

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a profound impact on dental care and academic education. This survey investigated the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms, and its impact among endodontic trainees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional web-based survey targeted all endodontic residents in Saudi Arabia. A 22-item questionnaire was distributed to a total of 197 participants. The questionnaire included questions related to demographic information, COVID-19 impact on endodontic postgraduate training, the incidence of testing positive, symptoms experienced, and infection control measures. Descriptive and analytic statistics (Chi-square or Fisher's exact test) were used for the analysis. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.Results: A total of 125 residents completed the survey. During June and July of 2020, most residents (45% and 50%) were required to perform only urgent endodontic care. Among the 125 residents, 52.8% reported being tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Of these 66 who were tested, 13.6% had positive results. Eight of the nine residents who tested positive were male. Muscle pain, loss of smell and taste, fever, and headache were the most reported symptoms. A nonsurgical root canal treatment was the most common endodontic procedure performed among those surveyed (100%, n = 125), followed by endodontic emergency (84.8%, n = 106), with surgical endodontic treatment being far less frequent (27.2%, n = 34). Enhanced infection prevention and control measures were common practices during the pandemic; almost half of the residents reported using an N95 respirator or equivalent face mask. Residents continued to provide urgent care during the pandemic, and the majority returning gradually to practice as they had before the COVID-19 pandemic by December 2020.Conclusion: This survey showed a relatively low prevalence of COVID-19 among endodontic residents compared with other frontline healthcare workers. More male residents tested positive COVID-19. A more effective protection measurement should be made available and accessible to endodontic residents to ensure their safety and prevent interruptions to their clinical training.

Sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and EndoSequence RRM putty used as retrograde restorative material: An in vitro bacterial leakage model study

Sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and EndoSequence RRM putty used as retrograde restorative material: An in vitro bacterial leakage model study

Biocompatibility assessment of different root-end filling materials implanted subcutaneously in rats: An in vivo study.

Root-end filling materials are used in surgical endodontic treatment to seal the teeth periapically. Ideally, these materials should prevent bacterial leakage by tightly sealing the canal, be biocompatible with the periapical tissues, and preferably stimulate the regeneration of dentin, contributing to the success of treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the biocompatibility of the GuttaFlow® Bioseal cement in relation to MTA Angelus® and Zical® after implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Eighteen male albino rats were used in the study. Four polyethylene tubes were implanted in the backs of the rats (3 tubes containing the test materials and 1 empty tube as a control). Nine animals were sacrificed at each interval of 7 and 30 days, and the implants were removed with the surrounding tissue. The samples were evaluated for stromal inflammatory response, fibrous tissue formation, vascular reactivity, and the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs). On day 7, the capsules in all subgroups revealed moderate to severe inflammatory reactions with the presence of inflammatory cells, multiple irregular collagen fibers, dilated blood vessels, and MNGCs. However, on day 30, tissue organization was more evident with a reduction in the inflammatory response. In this time interval, the tissue in contact with GuttaFlow Bioseal showed progressive healing with a wellformed fibrous capsule. Conversely, the tissue close to MTA Angelus revealed a fibrous capsule of limited organization with mild pericapsular fibrosis and vascular congestion. Zical showed a mild to moderate persistent inflammatory reaction and vascular reactivity. The 3 cements demonstrated more severe irritation at the beginning that became milder with time. GuttaFlow Bioseal yielded better tissue organization than MTA Angelus and Zical. Thus, these findings strongly suggest that GuttaFlow Bioseal is a promising material for root-end filling.

Factors Affecting the Outcome of Periapical Surgery; a Prospective Longitudinal Clinical Study

Wound healing following periapical surgery is influenced by age, gender, smoking, periapical lesion size, type of root-end filling, method of root-end cavity preparation and the use of microsurgical or conventional technique. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of various preoperative factors such as age, gender, smoking, preoperative pain, and preoperative periapical lesion size on the outcome of surgical endodontic treatment. A thorough history, examination, and investigation were performed to establish patient age, gender, smoking status, periapical lesion size, and the presence of preoperative pain. Forty patients aged between 15–57 years presented with persistent chronic apical periodontitis of single-rooted anterior teeth after conventional re-root canal treatment were enrolled for periapical surgery. Following periapical surgery, all patients were recalled for evaluation of periapical healing after 12 months based on clinical and periapical X-ray examination due to inaccessibility of an advanced imaging system (CBCT). Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test were applied, which revealed a statistically significant association of periapical healing with age (p = 0.025), smoking (p = 0.029), and lesion size (p &lt; 0.001). Although, the success of periapical healing was higher in males 78.6% (22/28) compared to females 58.3% (7/12) however, no statistically significant relationship was found between gender and healing (p = 0.254). Patient age, smoking status, and size of the preoperative lesion had a strong influence on periapical healing after surgical endodontic treatment.

Baseline MMP expression in periapical granuloma and its relationship with periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) catalyzes the degradation of the extracellular matrix components and have a major role in many physiological processes including wound healing. In the current study, we examined the correlation of baseline MMPs 1, 2, 7, and 9 expressions with periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment.Methods27 patients aged between 15 and 57 years presenting with chronic apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess of an anterior tooth with previously attempted or failed root canal treatment were included in this study. During surgical endodontic treatment, tissue from the periapical lesion sample was collected and used for gross histopathological analysis as well as mRNA expression analysis of MMPs 1, 2, 7, and 9. Patients were recalled for follow-up after 6 months to evaluate the healing status both clinically and radiographically and healing was correlated with baseline MMP expression.ResultsOut of 27 patients, healing was observed in 15 patients at the end of 6 months, and in 21 patients after 12 months.. Six patients showed no healing even after 12 months. Analysis of baseline MMP 1, 2, 7, and 9 expression levels with healing status showed the mean relative expression of MMP2 and MMP9 to be considerably increased in the non-healing group as compared to the healing group.ConclusionOverexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 may be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment. However, further studies are desirable to establish its precise relationship with periapical wound healing.

Adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the surgical treatment of periapical lesions: A case series

BackgroundAntimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used in endodontics to improve orthograde root canal disinfection as an adjunct to standard treatments. Conversely, evidence concerning the application of aPDT in retrograde endodontic surgery is limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to provide additional data regarding the use of aPDT in the surgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions. MethodsA total of 25 consecutive patients presenting teeth with periapical radiolucency eventually associated with clinical signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis were included. Following access flap completion, osteotomy, mechanical debridement, root apical third resection, and preparation of the root-end cavity, aPDT was applied to decontaminate the surgical site using phenothiazine chloride dye at a concentration of 10 mg/mL and irradiation with a hand-held 100-mW diode laser with a wavelength of 660 ± 10 nm. At the latest follow-up visit, healing was evaluated as successful, uncertain, or failure according to well-established clinical and radiological criteria. ResultsOverall, 31 periapical lesions were treated with aPDT. Healing proceeded uneventfully. The mean follow-up time was 36.19 months, with times ranging from 12 to 85 months. A total of 25 (80.65%) cases were classified as successful, 5 (16.13%) as uncertain, and only one (3.22%) as failure. Irrespective of the treatment outcome, all treated teeth were still functional, with no symptoms reported by the patients. ConclusionaPDT as an adjunctive treatment modality in the surgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions showed promising medium-term results associated with preservation of all diseased teeth.