Guided endodontics as an alternative for the treatment of severely calcified root canals

Sônia T. de O. Lara-Mendes, Camila de Freitas M. Barbosa, Vinícius C. Machado, Caroline C. Santa-Rosa

Introduction: Pulp calcification is one of the factors that make endodontic treatment challenging and capable of compromising access of instruments and irrigant solutions to the entire extension of the root canal, making it impossible to disinfect it adequately. Guided endodontics makes the endodontic treatment more predictable and safer in this complex situation. Materials and Methods: Once severe calcification requiring endodontic intervention has been found, the patient is referred to the radiology center for the planning of guided endodontics. A 3D model of the arch to be treated is obtained by means of a bench scanner, afterwards transferred to a virtual implant planning software program. The CBCT is added to this software and both are superimposed on the basis of radiographically visible structures. The Simplant software is programmed to project a physical bur used for guided endodontic access, virtually superimposed on the root canal calcification. Once the printed guide has been obtained, it is positioned in the patient’s arch and the clinical procedure is performed. Conclusion: The guided endodontic technique is easy, predictable and clinically feasible to perform. Moreover, it may be performed by less experienced professionals, and does not require the use of an operating microscope.

Keywords: Calcification. Cone beam computed tomography. Endodontic access. Scanning.

How to cite: Lara-Mendes STO, Barbosa CFM, Machado VC, Santa-Rosa CC. Guided endodontics as an alternative for the treatment of severely calcified root canals. Dental Press Endod. 2019 Jan-Apr;9(1):15-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.9.1.015-020.oar

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