One visit apicectomy technique using calcium hydroxide cement as the canal filling material combined with retrograde amalgam.

A prospective study was set up to evaluate a one-visit apicectomy technique. Calcium hydroxide cement was used as the root canal filling material. The calcium hydroxide cement set rapidly and clearly revealed the position, size and outline form of the root canals at the level of resection. This facilitated preparation of the apical cavities to a depth of 3 mm. Each cavity was varnished before placement of the amalgam. Sixty-eight patients (93 teeth) were included in the study. Five patients (8 teeth) were lost to follow-up. The success rate, based on clinical and radiographic examination after a minimum of 2 years, was 91.8 per cent.