Endodontic Working Width - An Enigmatic Element

Editorial

Root canal systems can present with multiple diversities. We have heard of working length which has been dealt with and researched in endodontic literature and routine clinical practice. Most of the regions along the root canal can be adequately debrided with conventional and rotary file systems and irrigating protocols. One of the first researches on apical working width was done by Dr. Yi - Figure 1: The apical third of the root canal system.

Just like no one shoe fits all, the chosen Master Apical File cannot completely clean and shape the apical third of the canals which can be round, oval, elliptical, ribbon - shaped and numerous other forms. So far, Cone Beam Computer Tomography remains the practical method to visualize the working width which can be very useful in endodontic retreatment. Apical gauging is done to in routine practice to custom fit the gutta percha cone to the size of the prepared portal of exit using a gutta percha gauge. Apart from the main portal of exit, the ramifications, lateral canals, isthmi, deltas and fins have to be addressed. Image Courtesy: A micro - Tai Jou and colleagues who gave its definition as the initial and postinstrumentation width of the root canal system at working length and various other levels. This is especially important in the apical third of the canals which serves as a niche for the maximum amount of micro - organisms and is a challenge for effective cleaning and shaping (Figure 1).

computed tomography study of the root canal morphology of the mandibular first premolar in a population from southwestern China. Na Liu, XiangjieLi, Ning Liu, Lijun Ye, Jianping An, Xie Nie, Luchan Liu, Manjing Deng Clin Oral Invest (2013) 17 999-1007, DOI 10.3.1007/s00784-012- 0778-1.