The importance of glide path in endodontic treatment: literature review and clinical aspects

ABSTRACT

Cleaning and shaping of the root canal is one of the most critical stages of the endodontic treatment. A very significant step for a complete, avoiding as much as possible any mishaps, chemo-mechanical pereparation, is the apical patency; this is the ability to access the root canal with small-sized files throughout its whole extent. The maintenance of patency and the creation of a narrow, yet smooth path that follows the anatomy of the canal from the orifice to the apical foramen is called “glide path” and is really important during cleaning and shaping. The role of hand files is fundamental in this process, although some specific rotary instruments may also be used successfully. The purpose of this webinar is the literature review of the philosophy and means of creating and maintaining a glide path, the clinical application and subsequent issues.