SLC Preclinical Endodontic Setup

Lecture given on 8/29/2025

When you are doing apical gauging but are in between files, which size should you go with?

always size up

how should you select the first (apical) plugger if the working length is 20 mm?

it should be the largest plugger that goes 5 to 7 mm shorter than the working length without binding

how should you select the second (middle) plugger if the working length is 20 mm?

it should be the largest plugger that goes 3 mm shorter than the location of the apical plugger (around 12 mm)

how should you select the third (coronal) plugger if the working length is 20 mm?

it should be the largest plugger that goes 3 mm shorter than the location of the middle plugger (around 9 mm)

what has happened if you are examining a radiograph and notice the root canal abruptly disappears?

it is a fast break and the canal has likely split into 2

how do roots generally calcify?

crown to apex

what are the major objectives of endodontic access openings?

locating all canals

unimpeded straight line access of the instruments in the canals to the apical one third or the first curve (if present)

removal of the chamber roof and all coronal pulp tissue

conservation of tooth structure

what is the average total, crown, and root length of a maxillary central incisor?

24.3 mm

10.9 mm

13.4 mm

generally, what shape taper does a maxillary central incisor have?

conical

how can you determine where the access location of an anterior tooth should be?

divide the tooth into thirds, it should be in the middle square

where should you avoid when creating an anterior tooth access?

within 2 mm of the incisal edge (results in an automatic fail on the CDCA)

why is it important that the entirety of the pulp is removed when doing a root canal treatment?

if left, it will become necrotic and discolor the tooth

where should the access hole be placed in an upper premolar, and what shape should it be?

in the groove, ovoid/coin slot shape

where should the access hole be placed in a lower premolar, and what shape should it be?

on the buccal incline, circular

t/f you can run a bur across the pulp chamber floor, just be careful to not perforate the chamber

false- never run a bur over the chamber floor to avoid perforation or loose the original anatomy (harder to find orifices)

t/f you should expect symmetry when looking for canals

true

what can happen if you damage the PDL with the heating element?

sloughing of bone and associated soft tissue

what is the critical increase in the temperature of PDL before irreversible damage is sustained?

10 degrees C

studies have shown that __ to __ seconds at ____ degrees C are safe in most teeth

3 to 4, 200