With continual advancements in technology, endodontics has made tremendous progress in the treatment of tooth pain, promoting dental health for millions of people around the world. Even root canals, which were previously thought of as a painful process, have become a painless procedure. The cause of all this advancement and innovation? Revolutionary protocols in the industry have allowed for the evolution of endodontic success, all thanks to new technology. Getting a grasp on the latest endodontic protocols will help you practice providing the best care for your patients while staying on top of this ever-changing industry.

Protocol #1: Dynamic Guidance 

With the increased use of rotary systems and pneumatic instruments, dynamic guidance has become a necessity to help reduce the risks associated with perforating the canal or damaging surrounding structures. Dynamic guidance provides high-speed imaging and magnification for enhanced visualization of root canals, helping you place your files precisely. With dynamic guidance, you can visualize anatomy that is only visible with magnification and lighting, which makes treatment of difficult cases more successful. With the assistance of dynamic guidance, root canal treatment has become less invasive, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

Protocol #2: Minimally Invasive Procedures

As the field of endodontics has evolved, so have the tools and technology that aid in treatment. One major advancement is minimally invasive procedures. The goal of minimally invasive procedures is to reduce the amount of force and trauma used in order to achieve faster procedural times, less chance for muscular injury, and a more comfortable experience for patients. However, you must understand that minimally invasive techniques require greater surgeon proficiency. Minimally invasive procedures are not suitable for every case and must be performed with awareness of your patient's specific needs. While minimally invasive procedures have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote faster healing, they can also lead to complications such as an increased risk for postoperative pain and periapical pathosis when done improperly.

Protocol #3:  Development Of New Endodontic Instruments

Another advancement in endodontics is the development of new instruments. As technology becomes increasingly advanced, so do the tools used to perform root canal treatment. The most common type of instrument used for root canal procedures are nickel titanium (NiTi) files. The use of NiTi rotary systems reduces the time it takes to complete root canal procedures, which translates to less risk of muscular complications and a more comfortable experience for patients. NiTi files are currently used in the majority of root canals, even though non-metallic instruments have been shown to be comparably effective. However, while nonsurgical protocols have emerged over the last ten years, the use of NiTi rotary systems continues to be a necessary standard for endodontic access.

SS White: Preparing For The Future Of Endodontics

Endodontics is one of the most innovative fields in dentistry. Fortunately, advances in protocols and tools have made this field much more tolerable for both patients and clinicians. The future of endodontics looks bright, with SS White Dental, you can prepare your practice for these advances. Contact us today to learn more!