DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/QX5J-Q874

Defense Date

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Garry Myers, DDS

Second Advisor

Terence Imbery, DDS

Third Advisor

Caroline Carrico, PhD

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the pre-surgical clinical and radiographic characteristics that may influence the choice of apicoectomy over nonsurgical retreatment in a more detailed approach, focusing on the clinical factors that come into the evaluation phase. We hypothesize that there are certain patterns observed through a pre-operative CBCT that may impact the decision for surgical intervention. The study aims to assess patterns in the decision-making in surgical treatment planning.

Methods: Retrospective review analyzing 142 cases treated or planned for apicoectomy by VCU endodontic residents. Data collected from CBCT and PA radiographs included: restorations, quality of prior root canal treatment, presence and size of periapical lesions, posts, separated instruments, untreated canals, root curvature, cortical plate integrity, crestal bone status, resorption, and proximity to anatomical structures.

Results: Large periapical lesions and cases with cortical plate perforations were significantly associated with apicoectomies. Majority of cases had PAI scores of 4 or 5 with 76% of cases involving buccal cortical plate perforations. There was marginal significance associated between the quality of the root canal treatment and PAI scores (p=0.0847). Separated instruments was found in 4% of cases and not associated with larger lesion sizes.

Conclusion: Larger lesions, cortical plate perforations (specifically the buccal) were significant indicators that were common in cases treatment planned for apicoectomies. The presence of a post was seen in over one-third of cases. Separated instruments, untreated canals, vertical defects, approximation to IAN or mental foramen, resorption and moderate-severe root curvatures were not commonly associated with cases treatment planed for apicoectomies.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

4-30-2025

Available for download on Thursday, April 30, 2026

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