Air pressures developed beyond the apex from drying root canals with pressurized air

Air introduced into tissues during invasive procedures can be harmful. Endodontic treatment is not frequently associated with this phenomenon, but serious results can occur if air forced into tissues impinges on critical anatomical structures and/or carries infection into deeper areas. Extracted teeth were connected to a pressure gauge during and after canal instrumentation and pressures measured. Also, a fresh porcine jaw was instrumented in the presence of a radiopaque tracer during air drying. Significant pressures were detected beyond the apex of the roots, especially with root apical diameters of file sizes larger than 20.