Effect of Apical Patency on Success of Root Canal Treatment in Non Vital Teeth

Maintaining Apical patency during root canal treatment is a widely followed methodology in modern endodontic treatment protocols. It involves passing of a small #08 or #10 K file through the apical foramen during root canal shaping without widening it. it is done to keep the foramen and apical thirds of root canal free of debris. proponents of the procedure claim it to improve irrigation; provide better tactile feedback; reduce the chances of procedural errors; reduce transportation and reduce pain following root canal procedures. however, there is no clinical trial which specifically evaluates the effect of apical patency on outcome of root canal procedure. hence this study was designed to evaluate the effect of apical patency on outcome of root canal treatment.