Related Experiment Videos
Straight line access and coronal flaring: effect on canal length.
Kyle P Schroeder1, Richard E Walton, Eric M Rivera
1Naval Dental Center Southwest, United States Navy, San Diego, CA, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|June 18, 2002
Summary
Straight-line access and coronal flaring slightly alter root canal length, with severe curvature having a greater effect. These changes, though statistically significant, are clinically insignificant for dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Anatomy
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Root canal length determination is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
- Straight-line access (SLA) and coronal flaring (CF) are common endodontic procedures.
- Potential alteration of canal length by these procedures requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of SLA and CF on root canal length.
- To compare the impact of tooth curvature on canal length changes.
- To determine the clinical significance of any observed length alterations.
Main Methods:
- 86 molar and premolar canals were selected, categorized by curvature.
- Canal length was measured using a #10 file and stereomicroscope before and after SLA/CF.
- Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon signed rank test) was performed to assess changes.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant change in canal length was observed after SLA and CF (p < 0.001).
- The mean overall change in canal length was a slight decrease of 0.17 mm.
- Severely curved canals showed a greater, significant change compared to straighter canals.
Conclusions:
- SLA and CF cause a measurable, albeit small, change in root canal length.
- While statistically significant, the observed changes are clinically unimportant for endodontic procedures.
- Tooth type did not significantly affect the canal length changes.