Endodontic targeted access preparation

In a study published in the Journal of Endodontics, researchers performed targeted accesses with either prefabricated grids or freehand techniques using cone-beam computed tomography measurements. They mounted 20 extracted maxillary molars on a maxillary model and placed the build-up material directly over the canal orifices to simulate a clinical scenario. Each of the teeth was randomly assigned to one of the two targeted access preparation strategies.

The researchers found that compared with the freehand CBCT technique, the prefabricated grid technique helped clinicians deviate less from the planned access target. Despite this, those who performed the prefabricated grid technique noted longer procedural times compared with those who performed the freehand CBCT technique.

The findings indicated that the grid-based targeted access preparation strategy may be more accurate and aid clinicians in accessing difficult-to-reach canal orifices, but further study is needed to evaluate its use in clinical settings.

Read more: Journal of Endodontics

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