A scanning electron microscopic study of in vivo ultrasonic root-end preparations

The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate root-ends for cracks afte r root resection and again after ultrasonic root-end preparation in patient s undergoing endodontic surgery. Endodontic surgery was performed on 25 roo ts from 20 patients. In vivo vinyl polysiloxane impressions were made after root resection and again after ultrasonic root-end preparations. Epoxy res in casts were made from the impressions and scanning electron micrographic examination of the root-end replicas was performed, There was no evidence o f cracks after root resection, One incomplete canal crack was evident after ultrasonic root-end preparation.