Open Collections

Abstract

Introduction: Vertical root fractures are mostly unique to endodontically treated teeth; hence, minimally invasive endodontics has been proposed. Its critics believe that it may negatively influence treatment outcomes by impairing proper canal cleaning, quality of canal shaping, disinfection, and canal obturation. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the treatment outcome of a new endodontic treatment protocol, which combines the minimally instrumented endodontic protocol (MIEP) with GentleWave® (GW) technology (MIEP/GW). Methods: 116 out of 1152 teeth treated by two endodontists in the province of British Columbia were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Root canals were either treated using MIEP/GW or by conventional endodontic treatment and obturated using the single cone technique with bioceramics sealers. Clinical signs and radiographic assessments were evaluated at 12-36 months. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Overall, using the MIEP/GW resulted in a 90.6% success rate, which was statistically significant compared to the conventional endodontic treatment protocol (83.3%). Furthermore, the apical surgery rate was 7.8% when MIEP/GW was used, statistically much less than the conventional endodontic treatment protocol (16.7%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the patient's age, canal calcification, and pre-operative lesion size were the primary determinants of the outcome. Conclusion: MIEP can be successful when GW disinfects the root canal systems, also resulting in lower post-operatory pain incidences. MIEP/GW has also reduced the rate of apical surgeries post-endodontic treatment.