Canal Preparation: Basic Preparation Techniques course for Dental Practice

This session introduces the principles of chemo-mechanical shaping and cleaning of root canals, using conventional hand instruments and appropriate irrigants.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the principles of chemo-mechanical root canal preparation
• Select appropriate irrigants for chemical disinfection of root canals
• Describe various methods of working length determination
• Explain the principles of coronal flare and the principles of creating an apical taper by 'stepping back' with conventional hand instruments

Periapical disease occurs as a result of pulp necrosis and the subsequent invasion of bacteria into the pulp space.

In the absence of a vital pulp, bacteria are able to multiply in the pulp space. Bacterial toxins are able to exit the root canal system via the apical foramen or other communications with the periodontal ligament, where they initiate an inflammatory response.