Measuring Apical Debris Extrusion With a Novel Laboratory Technique

Endodontic treatment occupies a critical role in dentistry, serving to prolong the longevity of teeth within the oral cavity and prevent early tooth loss. This treatment is particularly indicated in cases where the pulp tissue is infected or has suffered damage. The primary objective of endodontic treatment is to clean the infected pulp tissue, shape the root canals, and adequately fill these spaces to preserve the functionality of the tooth. A successful endodontic procedure is essential not only for ensuring the longevity of the tooth but also for delaying resorption in surrounding tissues. Furthermore, it allows the patient to maintain masticatory function without losing proprioceptive sensation, which is a key indicator of the treatment's success. During root canal instrumentation, there is a risk of necrotic debris, microorganisms, and dentin particles being displaced through the apical foramen into the periapical tissue. This displacement can increase the risk of infection and lead to postoperative complications. The preservation of the apical foramen is one of the most critical stages in the endodontic treatment process. Materials that extrude beyond the apical foramen can cause irritation and inflammation in the alveolar bone. This situation may exacerbate postoperative pain and discomfort, negatively affecting the patient's satisfaction with the treatment. Additionally, such displacements can compromise the overall success of the procedure by increasing the risk of reinfection. Therefore, preventing these displacements during root canal shaping is a factor that directly influences the success of the treatment. In the literature, precision scales are commonly used to measure the materials displaced from the apex. However, there are discrepancies regarding the reliability of these scales, particularly concerning their measurement accuracy for very small quantities. It has been observed that these precision scales may not provide sufficient accuracy in certa