Page 8 - The Beauty and Sorrow in Endodontics-Prologue

Prologue

Respecting the Complex and Variable Root Canal Systems

Schilderian Endodontics emphasizes the concept of a "root canal system"
because the natural internal space of the root encompasses not only the main root canals,

but also many lateral canals branching off of them. It is difficult to assess whether or not
canals have been properly cleaned and shaped before obturation on a radiograph. Usually,
a radiograph showing the densely packed and well obturated root canal system signifies

proper cleaning and shaping beforehand. At the same time, Schilder’s technique
reinforces the idea of following the natural shape and curvature of the original root canals,
enlarging the canals accordingly for debridement and shaping, and ultimately resulting in
root canal systems that are smooth, well-shaped, and natural-looking after warm vertical
compaction of the obturation materials.

The root canal system is
similar to a tree, with multiple
lateral canals (tree branches)
branching off the main canal (tree

trunk). Dr. Schilder’s shaping
technique results in
well-balanced shaping of canals
that preserve their natural

curvature and flow, while his
obturation technique produces
dense apical seal that are

exemplified by sealer puffs at
each canal terminus.
If the obturated canal ressembles the Washington Monument, straight and stiff,
then the canal had been overly instrumented to achieve this artificial look.

The following cases exemplify the ideas and techniques of Schilderian
Endodontics, from recognizing possible lateral canals by properly interpreting

pre-operative radiographs, to producing obturated root canal systems that precisely
correspond to said prediction.

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