Endodontic techniques for scouting the apical thirds of root canals

It might be said that there are as many endodontic instrumentation techniques as there are operators, although no two clinicians perform the procedure in exactly the same manner. Despite differences, there are basic principles (correct diagnosis, adequate access, adequate irrigation, removal of the entire pulp, instrumentation to the minor constriction of the apical foramen, three-dimensional obturation, etc.) whose observance are consistent with long-term endodontic success. As a subset of these time-honored principles, there are guidelines and techniques for apical third "scouting" and instrumentation, which can also be considered universal, irrespective of the particular instruments or technique used for canal preparation. The purpose of this paper is to describe a scouting technique that is designed to optimize the apical part of root canal preparation. The author first heard the word "scouting" used in the context described by Dr. Clifford J. Ruddle.