Event type: Webinar
Presenter: Garry Bey, D.D.S.
Successful endodontic therapy is dependent upon the removal of microorganisms from the root canal system. Much emphasis in endodontics during the last 20 years has been directed toward more efficient ways to "shape" the root canal system. Endodontic files fabricated from nickel-titanium alloys and a variety of sophisticated rotary systems have allowed us to shape root canals better than we have ever done in the past. Then why have endodontic outcome studies failed to show an increase in endodontic success? The answer is that no file has ever disinfected a root canal system. Irrigants and how they are delivered is how we can disinfect a root canal system. This, in turn, leads to increased success.
On the surface this might seem easy to accomplish. Through further investigation, we understand that this is not the case. Traditional irrigation involves using a needle to inject irrigants into the root canal system via positive pressure. This is not only ineffective in the critical apical one-third, it can also be dangerous depending on the irrigants used. Studies show that apical negative pressure irrigation is a safe and effective way to disinfect the entire root canal system. This CE webinar will cover apical negative pressure irrigation and an advanced instrumentation technique that facilitates its use.