Published in the International Journal of Oral Science on January 2, 2025, this consensus codifies best practices for a procedure celebrated for its precision, minimal invasiveness, high success rate, and reduced complication profile—yet still underutilized due to limited awareness among practitioners.
Why this matters: Traditional root canal therapy and retreatment enjoy moderate to high success rates (80% and 50–80%, respectively), but apical microsurgery, especially when performed under the magnified guidance of a dental microscope using ultrasonic and bioactive ceramic tools, elevates outcomes significantly—boasting success rates exceeding 90%.
Recognizing the knowledge and training gap in the field, the consensus—developed through concerted expert discussions—lays down clear, systematic protocols covering:
★ Indications and contraindications
★ Preoperative planning
★ Operative steps (osteotomy, root-end resection, root-end preparation, and filling under microscopic control)
★ Measures to prevent complications
★ Criteria for evaluating treatment efficacy
These guidelines specifically serve practitioners equipped with systematic microsurgical training, helping bridge the gap between advanced techniques and everyday clinical reality.
The release of this consensus is being widely hailed as a transformative development in dentistry.
By providing a standardized, evidence-based framework, it promises to not only improve clinical outcomes and tooth preservation but also advance professional standards and elevate patient satisfaction worldwide.
📑 We invite dentists around the world to read the full article in PDF directly on Nature: Expert consensus on apical microsurgery.
