The standardized-taper root canal preparation - Part 5. GT file technique in Small Root canals

Aim To describe the shaping of Small Root canals with GT files. Summary Small Roots are lower incisors, two and three canal bicuspids, buccal roots of upper molars, and mesial roots of lower molars. The Shaping Objective instrument for such cases is usually a 0.08 or 0.06 taper GT file. After proper access, pulp tissue should be removed to prevent its compaction and canal blockage. Orifice shaping and smoothing is then achieved with a 35-0.12 accessory GT File, running at full slow-speed r.p.m. (5-20K). Crown-down preparation commences with the 0.10 GT file, followed by the 0.08 and 0.06 tapers as needed. Occasionally, a 20-0.04 Profile is required to reach length. Files are rotated at 300 r.p.m. with steady, light pressure, and withdrawn frequently for cleaning and inspection. Once one of these files has cut to length, the canal terminus is enlarged to Shaping Objective. If difficulty is encountered, be willing to accept a 0.06 instead of the original 0.08 taper Shaping Objective. If the terminal diameter is 0.2 mm you will have plenty of apical resistance form in a tortuous canal with the 0.06 taper preparation. It is definitely better to end up with a smaller shape than originally planned, than to experience the heartache of separation. Key learning points Small Root canals should be prepared to a Shaping Objective 0.08 or 0.06 taper. Pulp tissue should be removed before preparation to prevent compaction and blockage. Preparation follows in a crown-down sequence, and may occasionally require the use of small Profiles. Final apical shaping is easily achieved when root length is reached.