Paul Byfleet seeks to redefine doctors’ anxiety about endodontics by sharing that with the right tools at hand, confidence can be built when performing this important treatment.
Anecdotally, we in the dental field know that many general dentists have shied away from root canal work at one point or another, and understandably so.
As Carrotte (2005) wrote: “Endodontics is a skill that requires the use of delicate instruments in confined spaces. Inevitably, problems will occur, but many of them can be avoided if the operator is careful and patient.”1
With this in mind, here we look at how endodontics can become a more direct treatment protocol as well as a profitable one, as the keys to endodontic success are predictability and efficiency.
Evolution with endo
In the early 1890s Willoughby Miller demonstrated the presence of bacteria in dental pulp in his publication, The microorganisms of the human mouth.
This led to the idea that bacteria could damage the dental pulp, leading to the concept of root canal irrigation.
Over the years, as with all dental and medical treatments, our understanding of the human body has improved, aided in large part by advances in technology.
Meanwhile, dentists and their teams have worked hard to keep up with the inevitable evolution of endodontics while battling the public perception that root canal treatment is as bad as it gets.
Protocols and partnerships
The truth is that while endodontic treatment can be difficult in some cases—and these are often the patients who need to be referred to a specialist—with the right tools and protocols in place, root canal treatment can be made easy in implementation.
This is because, in reality, most cases require the exact same procedures to be completed in the same order.
Meanwhile, it is perhaps no coincidence that Kerr Dental was created at the same time Miller made his discoveries, dedicated as the company is to providing their clients and patients with unrivaled peace of mind, alongside a proven evidence base that spans for decades.
All these combine to benefit the patient. This is something that every clinician strives to achieve.
As Dr Herb Schilder wrote in his pioneering article in 1967: “Vertical condensation of warm gutta-percha produces consistently dense, dimensionally stable, three-dimensional root canal fillings.
The natural conclusion of this is that when the dentist is armed with the right tools, patients can have a consistent level of treatment. As a result, this reduces the possibility of retreatment due to the three-dimensional filling of the root.
Looking to the future
Many question whether endodontics has a long-term future, to which I say an unequivocal yes.
It fits perfectly with the modern ethos of minimally invasive treatment, as well as offering a practice building opportunity.
As summarized by Glassman (2012): “As the health of the attachment apparatus associated with endodontically treated teeth becomes fully understood and fully appreciated, the naturally retained root will be recognized as the ‘ultimate dental implant’. When performed correctly, endodontic treatment is the cornerstone of restorative and restorative dentistry.”
To achieve such successful results, control, flexibility and also reliability are key features that dentists should always look for in endodontic products.
When you have the right solution at your fingertips for every step of your treatment, you’ll experience ease of use, achieve precision and gain confidence.
We at Kerr are flexible in our approach and can pivot quickly to meet our customers’ needs, all because we have this incredible heritage. Additionally, over the years, several key leaders and different endodontic companies have joined our team to make us what we are today: a leader and partner in endodontic advancement.
We make the most of it to offer ease of use with warranties and peace of mind. If you would like to learn more about how Kerr can support you, your practice, your team and your patients moving forward, visit www.store.kerrdental.com/en-uk or contact your local dealer or preferred dealer.
Seven steps to successful endodontics*
Effective and excellent endodontic treatment for your patients is more rewarding with the latest advances in endodontic technology.
However, endodontic treatment requires a high level of technical skills and an understanding of the biological process.
The following seven tips will allow you to improve your root canal treatment:
- Gather the right information
- Case selection
- Anesthetic, isolation and access
- Determination of working length
- Rotary/reciprocating instruments
- Biochemical irrigation
- Continuous wave occlusion.
* For full details on each of these steps, simply download Dr John Olmsted’s guide at https://bit.ly/3OuoTnz.
bibliographical references
- Carrotte P. Endodontic problems. BDJ 2005; 198: 127-133.
- Miller WD. The microorganisms of the human mouth: The local and general diseases caused by them. SS White Dental Mfg. Co. 1890
- Schilder H. Root canal filling in three dimensions. Dent Clin North Am. 1967? 723-44
- Glassman G. Three-dimensional occlusion of the root canal system: continuous wave condensation. Roots 2012; 3: 20-26
