Introduction

Studies in Endodontics

The opportunity to lend direction to this issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association presents at an exciting time in both the field of endodontics and the focus of the University of Southern California Endodontic Program. It is with great honor and satisfaction that this department can help shape the future of a wonderful field of dentistry. With the continued technological improvements in endodontics, the need for basic scientific principle becomes even more crucial. Diligent research and a thorough understanding of historical literature must remain the backbone of the practitioner’s technique. It is because of this ideal that the Endodontic Department at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry has embarked on a long-term commitment to research and literature.

My goal for this issue is to address some of the current questions and concerns that have recently arisen in the field of endodontics. I feel that the Journal of the California Dental Association is an ideal forum to achieve that goal because it shares our department’s commitment to research and literature.

The basic principles in endodontic treatment will never change. A proper access allowing a thorough cleaning and shaping of the canal system that, in turn, allows for an obturation that is contained within the canal system and prevents bacterial contamination is the ideal. Each article presented in this issue will address some feature of this endodontic ideal.

One of the articles examines concerns over where to position the gutta percha fill at the root end. With recent insurance company dictations and historical literature guidelines offering opinions as to this matter, the need for an understanding of this aspect of obturation is imperative for the practitioner.

The second article addresses one of the hottest technological advancements in the field of endodontics -- rotary instrumentation. As with any technique in dentistry, a thorough scientific and practical understanding must be achieved by the practitioner. For this reason, the article takes an original approach in determining the value of rotary instrumentation by comparing a standard rotary technique to the traditional technique in the hands of the less experienced practitioner.

The third article looks at another aspect of obturation -- gutta percha sterilization. As we strive for an aseptic root canal therapy, it is logical that our obturation material must be aseptic.

The final article compares three obturation techniques. In this article, Simplifill, Thermafill, and traditional lateral techniques are examined.

My hope is that these original articles will help provide the practitioner with a solid scientific background to help him or her choose a proper endodontic technique for the 21st century.

Contributing Editor

M. Sadegh Namazikhah, DMD, MSEd, is the acting chairman of the Endodontics Department and director of the Advanced Endodontic Program at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He is also the chairman of the ad hoc Interorganizational Affairs Committee for the California Dental Association and the chairman of the Membership/Ethics Committee of the Los Angeles Dental Society.