Guided Endodontics for Managing Severely Calcified Canals

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Imaging

Background:

• Pulp canal obliteration presents significant challenges in endodontic treatment.
• High likelihood of procedural errors and complications during conventional treatment for obliterated canals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of guided endodontics using 3D printed guides for treating severely obliterated root canals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized virtually designed 3-dimensional (3D) guides created by merging cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) and intraoral scans.
• Employed a customized 1-mm-diameter cylindrical bur for access preparation in 7 severely obliterated teeth.

Main Results:

• Guided endodontics enabled a straight-line access to the obliterated root canals.
• The treatment approach was demonstrated to be safe and fast.

Conclusions:

• Guided endodontics is a predictable technique for locating calcified canals.
• This method effectively minimizes complications associated with endodontic treatment of obliterated teeth.