Date of Award

Spring 1994

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Walia, Harmeet

Second Advisor

Austin, B. P.

Third Advisor

Dhuru, V.

Abstract

Endodontic surgery is a broad term that encompasses many different procedures. Apicoectomy (root resection or amputation), periapical curettage, trephination, incision and drainage, intentional replantation, transplantation, and implantation are all surgical procedures performed by endodontists. Of the above listed procedures, apicoectomy is the most common form of periapical surgery. The objective of periapical surgery is to isolate and remove the etiology and seal the apical canal space. Although it is widely known that none of the materials used in endodontics today provides a hermetic seal at the apex, it is common practice to try to improve the seal of the canal space after root resection by placing a retrograde filling (retrofill). The clinical relevance of microleakage in canals that have been properly prepared and obturated (whether orthograde or retrograde) has not been established. However, there continues to be considerable interest in the evaluation of leakage of retrofill materials. Biocompatability [sic] studies for materials used in periapical surgery are numerous and are perhaps more clinically relevant. The fact that retrofill materials, once placed, may be subjected to stresses and forces that can dislodge or displace them from the apex seems to have been overlooked or ignored. Many endodontically treated teeth require post and core retained restorations and cases have been observed where retrofills have been displaced during post space preparation or post placement. The newer techniques for making retrofill preparations do not form undercuts to mechanically lock in the retrofill. It is therefore possible that an increased incidence of dislodged retrofills will occur. This study will provide insight into the retentive properties of commonly used retrofill materials.

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