Straight-line endodontic access to anterior teeth

Straight-line access provides an unimpeded pathway for endodontic procedures. One hundred ninety-eight anterior teeth were examined to determine the location of the access preparation which would allow straight-line access for intracanal procedures. A radiographic analysis of these teeth indicated that a more labial orientation of the access opening would provide straight-line access to the canal more consistently than the "traditional" lingual access opening. The more labial placement of the access opening on maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth which will require full coverage will make endodontic treatment more efficient and may, therefore, increase endodontic success rates in these teeth.