The standardized-taper root canal preparation - Part 3. GT file technique in Large Root canals with small apical diameters (Reprinted from Endodontic Practice, vol 3, pg 8-12, 2000)

Aim To describe the preparation of Large Root canals with small apical diameters by the GT file technique. Summary Large Root canals with small apical diameters can usually be prepared with one to three GT files; one to nine clinical steps, and one to five minutes of clinical time. Following proper access, pulp tissue should be removed, and lubricant applied to prevent pulp compaction and blockage. Initial crown-down enlargement is accomplished with up to three standard GT rotary files 0.10, 0.08 and 0.06 taper, running at 300 r.p.m., and with light touch. Care should be taken not to overload instruments, and they should be withdrawn, cleaned and inspected whenever they bind. Sometimes, the shaping objective is achieved with a single instrument; often waves of instrumentation are required before the shaping objective file cuts to length. Prior to cone-fit, the apical resistance form is confirmed with conventional files, employed as feeler gauges of the tapering form created at the canal terminus. Regardless of the shaping time, canals should be soaked with sodium hypochlorite solution for at least 30 min for effective cleaning. Key learning points . Large Root canals with small apical diameters should be prepared to shaping objectives 0.08 or 0.10 taper. . Compacted pulp tissue causes many canal blockages. it should be removed early, and canals should be well lubricated. . Large Root canals with small apical diameters should be prepared in crown-down sequence, with recapitulation of steps until the shaping objective is achieved. . Apical resistance form should always be confirmed before cone-fit. Canals should be exposed to sodium hypochlorite for at least 30 min for effective cleaning.