Dr. Arnaldo Castellucci

Latest developments in Micro Surgical Endodontics

In the last 15-20 years several important developments have been introduced in surgical endodontics: the surgical operating microscope, the ultrasonic root end preparation, new biocompatible materials and the CBCT.
The introduction of the surgical operating microscope represents a revolutionary development in this specialty, which now is called “micro surgical endodontics”, and it has several advantages:
a) better visualization of the surgical field
b) better evaluation of the surgical technique
c) better accuracy during the entire procedure
d) better predictability of longterm results
The introduction of the ultrasonic root end preparation made possible to obtain what is defined as the ideal retropreparation: a class 1 cavity at least 3 mm deep into the root dentin with walls parallel to and coincident with the anatomic outline of the pulpal space. In order to do this, special ultrasonic tips were developed to enable the clinician to reach every root in all clinical situations.
As far as the new materials is concerned, recently the Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and other bioceramic materials became available. These are revolutionary materials, extremely biocompatible, hydrophilic and capable of stimulating the healing processes and osteogenesis.
Finally, with the use of the CBCT, dentistry started moving away from “radiographic interpretation” into “disease visualization” and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Thanks to all these revolutionary progresses, the long-term success rate of micro surgical endodontics is higher and endodontic therapy today is more predictable and even more fun!

Dr. Castellucci graduated in Medicine in 1973 and he specialized in Dentistry in 1977at the University of Florence. From 1978 to 1980 he attended continuing education courses on Endodontics at Boston University with Prof. Herbert Schilder. Past President of the Italian Endodontic Society S.I.E., Past President of the International Federation of Endodontic Associations I.F.E.A., Active Member of the European Society of Endodontology E.S.E., Active Member of the American Association of Endodontists A.A.E.. Assistant Professor of Endodontics at the University of Cagliari Dental School and Professor of Micro-Surgical Endodontics at the Specialty of Oral Surgery of the University Federico II of Naples. He is a very well-known international lecturer, gave lectures all around the world and published articles on Endodontics in the most prestigious Endodontic Journals.

He wrote chapters for several Endodontic textbooks, is the author of the new edition of the textbook “Endodontics” and of “Micro-Surgical Endodontics”. He lives and practices in Florence where he has his private practice and his Micro-Endodontics Training Center.