A new approach to endodontic access in anterior teeth - a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction The coronal opening is essential, during endodontic treatment, for direct access to the root canals. Usually, in the anterior teeth, endodontic access is achieved on the palatal/lingual surface, more specifically in the cingulum region. However, the lack of observation for dental positioning can lead to some accidents and complications, such as buccal perforations, causing esthetic damage and compromising the treatment. Objective To evaluate the applicability of a new approach for performing coronal opening in anterior teeth, regarding the wear caused on the tooth crown, and to evaluate the ease of performing the new technique to minimize the risk of perforation. Material and method Ten students (n=10) from the Improvement in Endodontics program participated in the present study. Twenty artificial teeth were used, which were upper, central incisors. Each participant performed two coronal openings. First, with no guidance (Group A - Conventional Technique) and afterward, a new opening, but with guidance with the spherical diamond tip placed parallel to the long axis of the tooth (Group B - Modified Technique). Result The results showed that 90% of the participants considered the Modified Technique as having lower risk of accidents, as well as being easier for locating the pulp chamber. There was a statistical difference both in the measurement of the total area of wear and in the width, while there was no statistical difference in the height. Conclusion Preliminary data collected with the survey were satisfactory for the Modified Technique. Statistically, it showed a favorable difference in relation to the area of wear and the width. However, in height there was no statistical difference.