In-depth reviews of current endodontic literature, synthesizing evidence to inform clinical practice.
Latest literature reviews
Explore concise, clinically focused summaries of peer-reviewed studies, updated as new evidence emerges.
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How Large Should We Prepare? Does Apical Preparation Size Affect Endodontic Treatment Outcomes?
The size of the apical preparation is an important component of root canal treatment for a multitude of reasons. It impacts the effectiveness of both instrumentation and irrigation within the canal. The goal of instrumentation is not simply to create a larger apical preparation, but adequate enlargement is needed to allow instruments and irrigating solutions… Read More
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Working Length: Electronic Apex Locators or Radiographs?
Working length is one of the most important measurements in root canal treatment because it determines how far instrumentation and obturation extend within the root canal system. Accurate working-length determination allows the clinician to adequately clean and disinfect the canal while minimizing unnecessary instrumentation into the periapical tissues. If the working length is too short,… Read More
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One Visit or Two? Evaluating Outcomes in Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatment can be completed in a single appointment or across multiple visits, often with an intracanal medicament such as calcium hydroxide placed between appointments. Multiple-visit treatment has traditionally been favored in cases of pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis based on the rationale that additional disinfection time may improve microbial control and healing. However,… Read More
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Sealer Extrusion: Does It Affect Endodontic Outcomes?
During root canal treatment, a small amount of root canal sealer was unintentionally extruded into the periapical tissues during obturation. This case raises important clinical questions: Does apical extrusion of root canal sealer alter the outcome of endodontic treatment? Does extruded material contribute to postoperative pain, persistent inflammation, or impaired periapical healing? Can favorable healing… Read More
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Irrigation: Does NaOCl Concentration Really Matter?
Sodium hypochlorite remains the standard irrigant in endodontics because it provides both broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and organic tissue dissolution. Successful root canal treatment depends on eliminating microorganisms and removing pulpal remnants, both of which are enhanced by the use of sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite has been used as an endodontic irrigant for decades. A 1992… Read More
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MB2 in Maxillary First Molars: What the Literature Tells Us
You finish a maxillary first molar root canal. The obturation looks great, the patient is asymptomatic, and everything seems successful. Two years later, the tooth presents with a persistent periapical lesion. What went wrong? The answer may be an untreated MB2 canal. Let’s discuss how and why this happens and important notes that can reduce… Read More
