Ultrasonic root-end preparation in apical surgery: a prospective randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of an ultrasonic device in apical surgery on the outcome of treatment.


METHODS
A randomized prospective design was used in a standardized treatment protocol. Patients were allocated to treatment with an ultrasonic device (P-Max Newtron) or treatment with a bur in an otherwise similar protocol. One year after treatment the results were evaluated by 2 oral and maxillofacial surgeons who were blinded for the therapy.


RESULTS
Out of a total group of 399 patients who were included in the study, adequate follow-up could be obtained in 290 patients. The overall success rate in the ultrasonic group was 80.5% and in the group treated with a bur 70.9% (P = .056). In molars, the difference in success rate was significant (P = .02).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of an ultrasonic device in apical surgery improved the outcome of treatment. In molars this effect was significant.
de Lange
Jan
J
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Isala Klinieken, Zwolle, The Netherlands. lotte.jan@wxs.nl
Putters
Thomas
T
Baas
Erik M
EM
van Ingen
Johan M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001047:Apicoectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*