Technologic advances in endodontics.

This article addresses technologic advances in endodontics pertaining to new and emerging technology. Cone-beam computed tomography and optical occurrence tomography are 2 new imaging technologies that can assist the practitioner in the diagnosis of pulpal disease. The self-adjusting file and the Apexum device can be used for instrumentation and bulk debridement of an apical lesion, respectively.

Maxillofacial anatomy: the mandibular symphysis.

Placement of dental implants in the anterior mandible is considered by many clinicians to be a relatively low-risk procedure. However, hemorrhagic episodes following implant placement in the mandibular symphysis are regularly reported and can have serious consequences. The use of high-resolution focused cone beam scanners has given us the ability to visualize the intricate neurovascular network of the intraforaminal region without distortion and in greater detail.

One step pulp revascularization treatment of an immature permanent tooth with chronic apical abscess: a case report.

Aim: To describe a case in which a mandibular right second premolar with a necrotic pulp, sinus tract, periradicular radiolucency and an immature apex underwent revascularization via a single treatment approach.

Summary: Revascularization procedures have the potential to heal a partially necrotic pulp, which can be beneficial for the continued root development of immature teeth. However, it is not clear which revascularization protocols are the most effective.

Surgical navigation in oral implantology.

The ability to generate 3-dimensional volumetric images of the maxillofacial area has allowed surgeons to evaluate anatomy before surgery and plan for the placement of implants in ideal positions. However, the ability to transfer that information to surgical reality has been the most challenging part of implant dentistry. With the advent of computer-assisted surgery, the surgeon may now navigate through the entire implant procedure with extremely high accuracy.

Treatment of the contaminated implant surface using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Treatment of the contaminated implant surface by mechanical and chemotherapeutic means has met with mixed success. Incomplete surface debridement or alteration of the implant surface could compromise attempts at grafting and reintegration of the implant body. Development of a laser system operating at 2780 nm and using an ablative hydrokinetic process offers the possibility for more efficient decontamination and debridement.

Mandibular first molars with three mesial canals.

Five clinical cases demonstrate the presence of a middle mesial canal in the mandibular first permanent molar. This is not an extra canal but rather the sequelae of instrumenting the isthmus between the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals.