Shaping different anatomies

Fig. 1

Effect of coronal flaring on file separation

Shaping any root canal starts with good pre-operative radiography reading in order to decide a safe and predictable strategy.

In this case we are dealing with a multiplayer curvature: one at the end of the middle third while the other at the apical third. In order to shape this, you need to shape the canal into 2 planes: this avoids many errors especially canal zipping and straightening the anatomy 

Negotiating such cases needs good knowledge of your armamentarium. Short K- files size #10 is my choice for better tactile sensation.

Firstly, before trying to reach the working length, coronal flaring in the first 2-4 mm is mandatory to ease the way for the file to get easily in the canal with less stress and forces.

Keep the canal always wet with your irrigant to act as a lubricant during the whole shaping phase.

Fig. 2

Start watch-winding motion, 30 degrees back and forward and apically, but never force the file or use a cutting ended file.

Be patient in this phase till you gain the glide path: always remember that, if you get the glide path right, you’re winning the rotary game most probably.

Don’t get any rotary files involved in such cases before reaching full working length

Shape the canal into 2 planes, do the  first plane up to #25 taper 4 firstly, then shape the second plane. The first plane shaping will be as a coronal flaring to the second plane making less stress to the file.

Once you gained your glide path and full working length, start canal enlargement with glide path file as 14,15,17 taper 4 in 2 planes, then you can proceed to enlarge you canal to the optimum taper 

#30/.4 was my choice in this case. Master file was taken here for apical gauge and full working length confirmation.

Fig. 3

This is one of the cases that illustrate the importance of the negotiation phase  before going to the rotary directly.

The pre-operative radiograph didn’t show such anatomy in this mandibular first molar, remember we are dealing with a 3D object with a 2-D x-ray.

Multi-plane curvatures is one of the most challenging anatomies to deal with; NiTi flexible files are very useful in such cases. I believe martensitic files make the shaping procedure much easier.

Fig. 4

The shaping is a reflection to your master cone which will eventually reflect upon your obturation.

Good shaping will get you a good apical gauging (tug-back) securing adequate apical seal without  overfilling or sealer extrusion.

Fig. 5

Write here tone of the most challenging anatomies during the shaping process is the deep split.

The deep split requires good knowledge, scouting skills and magnification.

One of the most common obstacles  is shaping the same canal most probably the main one, although get a  catch with the manual file or even the rotary file but not within the endo motor. So one of the great ideas is to switch you shaping to TCA technique.

TCA technique refers to tactile controlled activation.

After accessing the pulp chamber and locating the canal orifices, technical patency to length is confirmed. The first file to be used is mounted on the handpiece of an endodontic motor and inserted passively inside the canal until maximum frictional resistance . The file is activated and pushed apically (in-stroke) until the activated file resists further advancement and withdrawn from the canal. After file withdrawal, the file is inactivated the flutes are cleaned and checked for any possible deformations. Irrigation and patency confirmation follows.

 The second time that the same file will be inserted passively inside the same canal, it will reach deeper inside the anatomy . Activating the file again the same way will guide the file even more apically closer to length. The work to be done by this file is completed when the file can reach working length without having to activate it and is then withdrawn.

Instrumentation to larger apical preparations is achieved the same way until the desired apical instrumentation width is achieved. TCA technique aims to minimize the time of engagement with an activated file by using file activation only when needed for advancement.