Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 198, 395 - 404 (2005)
Published online: 9 April 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812187
Restoration of the root-filled tooth: pre-operative assessment
C M E Tait, BDS, MSc, MFDS RCS Ed. MRD RCS Eng1, D N J Ricketts, BDS, MSc, PhD, FDS RCS Eng, FDS RCS Rest Dent2 & A J Higgins, BDS3
- Assessment of pulpal health is important prior to placing indirect restorations, however, in some situations this is difficult as is the decision whether to root canal treat or not.
- A tooth that requires root canal treatment should initially be evaluated as to its importance within the dentition, periodontal health and restorative status as well as from an endodontic point of view.
- Critical assessment of root filled teeth and their long term prognosis is important prior to placing the definitive indirect restoration.
Restoration of the endodontically treated tooth
- Restoration of the root-filled tooth: pre-operative assessment
- Tooth preparation for post–retained restorations
- Post and core systems, refinements to tooth preparation and cementation
- Weakened anterior roots – intraradicular rehabilitation
Abstract
This is the first in a series of four papers related to the management of root canal treated teeth. When teeth compromised by extensive restorations become non-vital, suggestions have been given as to how root canal treatment can be carried out with the greatest chance of success. Once root canal treated, either by a previous dentist or by the current dentist, a review of the assessment process that should be carried out prior to placing costly indirect definitive restorations is given. It will be clear that post-retained restorations are mainly reserved for anterior or single-rooted teeth, posterior teeth rarely requiring a post for core retention. The second paper in this series describes the basic tooth preparation that should be carried out prior to placing a post. Depending on the type of post system used, further modifications to tooth preparation may be required and the cementation techniques may also have to be modified. The third paper therefore discusses the various post types, when and how they should be used for optimum results. The final paper addresses reinforcement and restoration of compromised root canals, such as those with immature, open apices, or those that have been over-prepared for previous post-retained restorations.
- Lecturer in Endodontics, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR. / Specialist Practice, Edinburgh
- Senior Lecturer/Hon Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR.
- Vocational Trainee, Falkirk, Scotland
Correspondence to: C M E Tait, BDS, MSc, MFDS RCS Ed. MRD RCS Eng1 Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR