Non-Surgical Endodontics

NS-11 - Etiology of Root Canal Treatment Failures: The Role of Persistent Infections and Root Canal Anatomy

On Demand

CE: 1.0 Hours

International Speaker(s)

Jose F. Siqueira, Jr., D.D.S., M.Sc., PhD

Chairman and Head, Department of Dental Research
Iguaçu University
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Domenico Ricucci, D.D.S., MD

Private Practice
Cetraro (CS), Calabria, Italy

Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:

Jose F. Siqueira, Jr., D.D.S., M.Sc., PhD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Domenico Ricucci, D.D.S., MD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Observational studies including histobacteriologic tissue biopsies from failed endodontic cases have shown bacterial biofilm persistence in unprepared root canal walls and complex anatomic areas, including dentinal tubules, lateral canals, apical ramifications, external root surfaces and the body or cystic lumen of the inflamed periradicular tissues. Bacteria located in these anatomic areas are in many cases very difficult to access by conventional treatment procedures and are the major cause of posttreatment apical periodontitis. In this session we will discuss the morphologic and microbiologic aspects of persistent infections and how they affect treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

Define the apical microbiome and its relationship with the apical anatomy in teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis.
Describe important aspects of biofilm colonization and persistence on root canal surfaces and the periapical area.
Discuss the impact of lateral canals/apical ramifications on the outcomes of endodontic treatment.