October 13, 2025

Endodontics Basics – PS017

49 minutes

How can you tell if a root canal treatment is truly successful?

Do you always need cuspal coverage after a root canal?

Are hand files still relevant, or has rotary completely taken over?

And does GP pumping really improve the effectiveness of irrigants like hypochlorite?

Emma returns for another Protrusive Student Series episode as she heads into her final year of dental school. Together, we explore the fundamentals of endodontics – covering restoration choices, success criteria, instrumentation, and irrigation protocols.

This episode breaks down the basics every student and young dentist should understand, while also tackling the common debates and real-world challenges of endo.

https://youtu.be/DK1ZAEPE_E4

Watch PS017 on YouTube

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Understanding the ‘why’ behind dental procedures is crucial for effective practice.

Both hand files and rotary files have their place in endodontics, especially for beginners.

Good irrigation techniques are essential for effective endodontic treatment.

Rubber dam isolation is critical for safe and effective endodontic procedures.

Learning to determine the master apical file size is a key skill in endodontics.

The use of EDTA helps in removing the smear layer during root canal treatment.

Endodontic specialists often use advanced techniques and tools for more efficient treatments.

Success in endodontics is not just about radiographs, it is sometimes defined by patient comfort and healing.

Cuspal coverage is often necessary after root canal treatment.

Patient communication is key to managing expectations.

Consent forms should be tailored to individual cases.

Understanding proprioception is important for tooth preservation.

Highlights of this episode:

00:00 Teaser

00:51 Intro

02:50 Emma’s Final Year Reflections

04:34 Exploring Specialties

07:02 Endodontics: A Student’s Perspective

08:15 Rotary vs Hand Files

11:45 Step-by-Step Notes for Students

14:24 Patency and Recapitulation

14:55 Determining Master Apical File Size

16:58 Irrigation Protocols and Techniques

21:22 Typical Irrigation Protocol

23:51 Rubber Dam Importance

27:25 Rubber Dam Importance

28:21 Role of 17% EDTA

28:59 Success Factors in Endodontics

29:46 Success Factors in Endodontics

30:46 Real-World Endodontic Practices

and Challenges

32:11 Understanding Success and Survival in Root Canal

34:26 Successful Outcomes

36:24 Success vs Survival

38:12 The Debate on Cuspal Coverage and Timing

40:48 Proprioception

41:54 Pre-Endodontic Build-Up

42:29 Direct Cuspal Coverage

44:03 Consent and Communication in Endodontic

47:25 Conclusion and Future Topics

49:02 Outro

Resources mentioned:

Outcome of primary root canal treatment: systematic review of the literature – Part 1

Outcome of primary root canal treatment: systematic review of the literature – Part 2. Influence of clinical factors

Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Fillings

Check out Simple Re-RCT Cases – ‘How To’ Guide – PDP233 for more Endodontic insights

#BreadandButterDentistry #EndoRestorative

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcome C.

AGD Subject Code: 070 – Endodontics (Endodontic infections, microbiology, and treatment)

Aim: To provide dental students and early-career dentists with a structured understanding of endodontic fundamentals, including instrumentation, irrigation protocols, success factors, and restorative considerations.

Dentists will be able to:

Differentiate between hand and rotary file systems and identify their advantages and risks.

Evaluate the factors influencing the success and survival of root canal treatment.

Recognize when cuspal coverage or pre-endodontic build-ups are required.

...more

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By Jaz Gulati

4.7

2020 ratings