[Endodontics: mechanical or manual methods? Preparation and cleaning of root canals]

Neither with mechanical nor with manual methods is it possible to achieve a preparation of the entire root canal in all wall areas. A reasonable combination of hand instruments with engine-driven, sonic or ultrasonic units certainly has advantages in preparing, cleaning and irrigating the root canal. What is more important than the question of mechanical or manual preparation of root canals is that the operator should work meticulously and have a thorough knowledge of the root canal anatomy. While it is well possible to do without mechanical instruments in preparing root canals, manual instruments are indispensable. As far as efficiency is concerned, some recent developments are promising.