Foraminal enlargement: Local and systemic repercussions

Ricardo MACHADO, Daniel COMPARIN, Leticia AGUIAR, Carlos Henrique FERRARI, Lucas da Fonseca Roberti GARCIA

Introduction: endodontic infection can reach and even go beyond the apical foramen. Therefore, determining apical constriction as the ideal limit for instrumentation and obturation has been questioned. Intentional foraminal enlargement is performed for the purpose of reducing the microbial contingent to levels more favorable to repair. However, local and systemic repercussions have been associated with this approach. Objectives: to critically review the literature on local and systemic repercussions relative to intentional foraminal enlargement. Methods: in March 2018, an electronic search performed on the PUBMED database using the terms “foraminal enlargement” OR “foraminal widening” OR “apical limit” AND “endodontics” identified 74 scientific articles. These articles, analysis of their references and use of another 5 base articles resulted in the 115 studies used for performing this research. Results: intentional foraminal enlargement cannot always be performed due to the anatomical and morphological conditions. The greater the apical foramen enlargement, the greater the possibility of extrusion of substances and/or materials used to perform endodontic treatment. Intentional foraminal enlargement seems to be contraindicated in patients who are taking or have recently used bisphosphonates, those with coagulation disorders and/ or under chronic use of anticoagulants and at high risk for bacteremia. Conclusions: the impacts of intentional foraminal enlargement on the success of endodontic treatment should be investigated. However, the methodological procedures of clinical studies should be carefully designed, especially taking into consideration the systemic conditions of patients who will be part of the sample.

Keywords: apical foramen; foraminal enlargement; endodontic treatment

How to cite: Machado R, Comparin D, Aguiar L, Ferrari CH, Garcia LFR. Foraminal enlargement: Local and systemic repercussions. Dental Press Endod. 2021 Jan-Apr;11(1):78-83.

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