Labial/Buccal Cervical Approach Innovative Option for Endodontic Access in Endodontic Treatment: Study

The researchers note that traditional access cavity preparation involves removing the pulp chamber roof and smoothing dentin bulges at the root canal orifice to achieve straight-line access. However, this approach often leads to the unnecessary removal of healthy dental tissue, compromising the tooth’s fracture resistance. To overcome these limitations, Bingchang Xin from the Department of Endodontics, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital Affiliated with Qingdao University, China, and colleagues introduced a minimally invasive endodontic approach. This technique was applied to one maxillary canine and four mandibular premolars that required root canal therapy due to labial or buccal cervical decay, which resulted in pulpitis or periapical periodontitis.

The proposed treatment protocol consists of multiple steps: preoperative assessment, removal of decay from the labial or buccal cervical area, access cavity preparation through the affected region, establishment of a working-length reference using resin, cleaning of the pulp horn with an ultrasonic tip, root canal preparation, and disinfection, obturation through the same access, and final resin restoration. This method minimizes damage to healthy tooth structure while ensuring effective infection management.

The researchers reported that optimal root canal obturation outcomes were achieved in all cases. Importantly, the technique avoided unnecessary abrasion of the pulp chamber roof, which is commonly associated with traditional endodontic access cavity methods. By utilizing the labial or buccal cervical approach, the treatment effectively addressed root canal infections without weakening the surrounding dental tissue.

This study underscores the potential benefits of a minimally invasive endodontic approach in preserving dental integrity. The researchers emphasize that this technique not only improves treatment outcomes but also expands clinical options for endodontic access design. "Our findings demonstrate that this approach provides new insights for clinicians, promoting better tooth preservation and long-term dental health," they concluded.

This research marks a significant step toward refining endodontic procedures, offering a patient-friendly alternative that maintains structural stability while ensuring effective root canal therapy.

Reference:

Wang X, Zhang J, Wang J, Zhang J, Luo P, Xin B. Minimally Invasive Endodontic Treatment through the Labial/Buccal Cervical Approach - Protocol and Case Series. J Endod. 2025 Jan 13:S0099-2399(25)00005-6. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2025.01.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39814137.