Endodontic Armamentarium

Before the early 1990s, dental loops were used for low-level magnification, which caused neck strain and postural problems. The dental operating microscope (DOM) became the standard, providing better magnification and illumination with less physical strain.

The basic set of instruments and materials used for diagnosis, emergency treatment, canal preparation, obturation, and endodontic surgery.

To determine the vitality of the pulp and the status of the supporting periodontal structure.

The endodontic explorer is extremely useful for locating tooth canals, especially when pulp stones, calcifications, or previous restorations alter the anatomy of these canals.

The most popular method for measuring pulp vitality through thermal or electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve endings, such as the sensibility test.

Tests that measure the vascular element of pulp vitality, reflecting true tissue vitality rather than just neural supply.

To assess cracked teeth and incomplete fracture tooth structures using specialized diagnostic tools.

EAL are devices used to determine the position of the apical foramen and/or constriction, aiding in the apical extent for root canal instrumentations.

Combining EAL with radiographs allows clinicians to reduce the risk of over- or under-instrumentation during root canal treatment.

The specific tools and instruments used for the preparation and cleaning of the root canal system during endodontic treatment.

Barbed Broaches are instruments made from soft steel with sharp projections used for the removal of intact pulp tissue by being introduced into the canal, rotated to entangle the pulp, and then withdrawn.

The rubber dam was developed by Dr. Sanford Barnum in 1862.

An isolation kit typically includes the rubber dam, clamps, and other necessary tools for creating a saliva-free field during dental procedures.

Magnification enhances the precision and effectiveness of endodontic procedures by allowing better visualization of the treatment area.

An excavator is a long-shanked instrument with a small blade used to remove caries, deep temporary cement, or coronal pulp tissue from the pulp chamber.

A loosely fitted broach prevents the barbs from engaging the dentinal walls on withdrawal, which reduces the likelihood of instrument fracture.

EAL have been shown to be more accurate than standard 2D radiographs in determining working length for root canal treatment.

The endodontic explorer (DG 16) aids in the identification of root canal orifices during endodontic procedures.

Munce burs are long shanked rotary burs used for precise troughing to expose root canal orifices, particularly useful in removing calcified structures like pulp stones.

A device that delivers a very low electrical current to the enamel surface through an electrolyte to assess pulp vitality.

The rubber dam clamp stabilizes the rubber dam to a tooth, allowing for effective isolation during dental procedures.

CBCT provides three-dimensional images that are essential for diagnosing external and internal resorptive defects, trauma, fractures, and for presurgical treatment planning.

A Diamond Round Bur is a dental bur used to brush-cut away tooth-colored restoratives and create a window through materials such as porcelain, with sizes #2 and #4 being appropriate for bicuspid, anterior, and molar teeth respectively.

The Transmetal Bur is specifically designed for cutting any type of metal, featuring a saw-tooth blade configuration that enhances efficiency while minimizing unwanted vibration and heat.

A barrier placed at the coronal portion of the tooth to prevent contamination and protect the root canal system after treatment.

Isolation refers to the use of a rubber dam to create a saliva-free field in the mouth, enhancing visualization and preventing microbial contamination during treatment.

A front surface reflecting mouth mirror is a dental instrument preferred to prevent the double image of fine detail in an access cavity, which can occur with a conventional mirror due to refraction.

The Explorer DG-16 facilitates the location of the entrance orifice to the root canals and features two ends with long tapered tips at right and obtuse angles.

Endodontic access should be directed by the anatomy of the pulp chamber and the curvature of the root, using a high-speed handpiece and burs with water coolant.

The advantages include no microbial contamination, enhanced visualization, a clean operative field, and prevention of ingestion or aspiration of instruments or materials during treatment.

Different types of radiographs, including two-dimensional intraoral radiographs and three-dimensional radiographs like CBCT, can be utilized for endodontic diagnosis.

A periodontal probe is useful for detecting remaining pulp chamber roof and is ideal for checking for the presence of furcation involvement with clearly visible gradations.

Nonsurgical endodontics involves procedures like root canal therapy, while surgical endodontics includes surgical interventions such as apicoectomy.

It is used to enhance the examination of dental structures by allowing light to pass through, helping to identify cracks and fractures.

2D intraoral radiographs, including periapical and bitewing, are used to evaluate teeth, their supporting structures, and existing restorations.

The Endo Z Bur is a tapered and safe-ended bur popular for its noncutting end, which can be safely placed on the pulpal floor, and its lateral cutting edges are used to flare, flatten, and refine internal axial walls.

A method that uses tools like a rubber wheel, hot instrument, or gutta percha stopping to evaluate pulp vitality.

Percussion involves using the back of the mirror to assess the sensitivity and health of the supporting periapical tissues.

The nonsurgical cassette contains instruments for diagnosis and procedure-specific instruments such as a local anesthesia syringe, endodontic explorer, and a ruler for measuring instruments.

A clinical assessment of pulp vitality that involves stimulating the neural element or measuring vascular conductance to reach a proper diagnosis.

A method that uses agents like ice, ethyl chloride, CO2 snow, or dichlorodifluoromethane to assess pulp vitality.

A device that uses sensors with diodes of different wavelengths to measure pulpal blood flow by comparing data with established curves of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.

A technique recently introduced to measure pulpal blood flow, reflecting the vitality of the pulp.