Ultrasound in endodontics: the state of the art

Objective. The operative potentials of ultrasound in surgical and ortograde endodontics have encouraged the Authors to verify, through a review of the literature, which are currently the indications and contraindications to the use of these inserts. Methods. The consulted literature has been compared with operational solutions proposed by some ultrasonic systems currently used, thus defining a qualitative analysis of morphology and technology of sorces and tips for ultrasound. It was finally achieved an operating iconographic protocol inherent morphology, the ortograde and surgical solutions proposed by the examined systems. The contraindications and the current potential derived from their use have been thus summarized. Results. The literature rewiev carried out has showed different assessments concerning the composition, morphology and action of drills. Summing up some comments reported by the proposed literature, we recall the product analysis of tips given by Brent, Ruddle’s critical evaluation inherent holes for the release of water found at some tips, the reliabilty, reported by De Brune, of some assessments in vitro. Conclusions. The endodontic ortograde and surgical operational solutions exposed, with the critical reassessment of their potential and the evaluation of morphology, size, technology, quality, product analysis of examined inserts and sources for ultrasound, will promote a targered range both of operational procedures than of tip and ultrasonic systems currently available. The surgical solution must however be taken only after having prepared and sealed the entire root canal portion treatable by an ortograde approach, thereby ensuring an optimal conclusion of an incomplete treatment.