S-17 - Microsurgery Ergonomics and Instruments

Team endodontic microsurgery has different procedural goals to non-surgical
treatment. Although the aim of achieving a favourable patient centred outcome is the same –
to preserve a tooth without any functional impairment, where the parameters are those valued
by the patient – the entire mindset with a microsurgical approach requires a refocused
treatment strategy for the team.
Because extended treatment time and associated factors (an open surgical wound,
prolonged bleeding) are critical in affecting healing outcomes and morbidity, the
microsurgical team needs to be even more efficient than the non-surgical team in order to
provide the same level of care. This means two chairside assistants are needed, each with
different roles. The operatory setup also requires some changes to ensure both assistants are
able to perform at the highest level of teamwork and efficiency. The instruments and
materials are also different, but similarly to non-surgical treatment, are arranged in the
sequence of use to ensure time is not wasted and the procedure occurs in a logical order.