Endodontics: Part 4 Morphology of the root canal system

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811711

British Dental Journal 197, 379 - 383 (2004)
Published online: 9 October 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811711

Endodontics: Part 4 Morphology of the root canal system

P Carrotte¹

Practitioners must be aware that the main root canals in a tooth may only provide access to the complexities of the root canal system, which must be fully cleaned of all microorganisms.
Research has shown that the dental anatomy learned as a dental student may now be out of date.
Knowledge of canal anatomy is essential in designing and executing access cavities that give straight line access to the main root canals.

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

Unless the practitioner is familiar with the morphology of the roots of all teeth, and the associated intricate root canal anatomy, effective debridement and obturation may be impossible. Recent research has improved knowledge and understanding of this intricate aspect of dental practice. After studying this part you should know in what percentage of each tooth type you may expect unusual numbers of root canals and other anatomical variations.

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