Principles of endodontic surgery for the general practitioner.

The purpose of this discussion was to provide a clear, succinct approach and rationale to the principles of endodontic surgery. Therefore, by its very nature, difficult, unusual, or extensive procedures or circumstances could not be covered. Each case presents with its own unique set of circumstances that calls upon our diagnostic and treatment-planning acumen to resolve. It is the astute and wise practitioner who understands the rationale for this surgical approach, who understands the principles involved, and who understands the role of this treatment modality in comprehensive patient care.