Endodontic problems

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812037

British Dental Journal 198, 127 - 133 (2005)
Published online: 12 February 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812037

Verifiable CPD Paper:
Endodontic problems

P Carrotte¹

Most problems in root canal treatment could have been avoided with care and attention to treatment principles. Careful examination of the pre-operative radiograph is essential.
It is possible to remove most fractured instruments, posts and failed root filings if the correct aids are to hand, and magnification is available.
It is essential that practitioners know the prognosis for different endodontic procedures, both from the endodontic literature and their own clinical experience.

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

If modern clinical techniques were carefully followed, many common endodontic problems would never occur. Incorrectly designed access cavities may make root canals both difficult to identify and to instrument. Careful study of the pre-operative radiograph is essential. Various aids are available to remove fractured instruments and failed root fillings, but the problem must first be correctly diagnosed. As more patients seek cosmetic procedures, the practitioner should be familiar with the 'walking bleach' procedure, again after careful diagnosis of the cause of the discolouration. The practitioner should also be fully aware of the prognosis for this and other endodontic procedures.

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