A photoelastimetric analysis of stress induced by root-end resection.

The aim of this study was to place into perspective some factors that played an important role in the healing of periapical lesions after surgical endodontic procedures. Root-ends were sectioned at different angulations on models and analyzed by photoelastimetry. Results showed that a section of the root-end through a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth offers a better distribution of the stresses exerted on the apical region that the use of an inclined plane. The biological implications of these results have led the authors to propose a plan of resection that is perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth instead of the inclined plane commonly used.