Endodontics: Part 1 The modern concept of root canal treatment

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811565

British Dental Journal 197, 181 - 183 (2004)
Published online: 28 August 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811565

Verifiable CPD Paper:
Endodontics: Part 1 The modern concept of root canal treatment

P Carrotte¹

Root canal treatment is normally prescribed to treat an infection, and as with all surgical procedures an aseptic technique is essential throughout.
As research has shown that success is only achieved when all microorganisms are removed from the entire root canal system, the anatomy of this system must be understood for each tooth.
Modern endodontic practice is concerned not with the old cliché of cleaning, shaping and filling, but with shaping first, to open the canals wide, so that cleaning can be effectively carried out prior to three-dimensional filling.

Endodontics

The modern concept of root canal treatment
Diagnosis and treatment planning
Treatment of endodontic emergencies
Morphology of the root canal system
Basic instruments and materials for root canal treatment
Rubber dam and access cavities
Preparing the root canal
Filling the root canal system
Calcium hydroxide, root resorption, endo-perio lesions
Endodontic treatment for children
Surgical endodontics
Endodontic problems

Root canal treatment has changed considerably since the hollow tube theory was first postulated in 1930. Research continues into the elaborate anatomy of root canal systems, and also into the microbial causes of endodontically related diseases. Only by understanding these aspects in detail can the practitioner quickly and effectively shape the main root canals to facilitate thorough cleaning of the entire system, and easy and effective filling.

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