No abstract

Two cases of the rare anomaly, the palatal radicular groove, affecting maxillary lateral incisors, are reported and discussed. Both were considered to be untreatable. Horizontal sections of one of these cases demonstrated a canal configuration not previously reported.

No abstract

Undergraduate endodontology is taught in Australian Universitiies in Restorative or Conservative departments. Courses generally consist of twelve lectures, three seminars and technique courses. Average clinical experience is six to eight endodontic treatments in anterior and posterior teeth. Comparison with American and Scandinavian teaching, staff and facilities indicates that this subject is receiving considerably less emphasis in Australia. As endodontic therapy is eseential in any dental health programme based on preventive dentistry there is a considerable need to upgrade undergraduate endodontic teaching in Australia.

The flaring of root canal preparations in order to improve instrumentation and enhance root filling condensation has been stressed in recent endodontic literature. Some authors, however, have suggested that too much flaring could be hazardous in molar root canals. This study was prompted by the occurrence of stripping-type perforations and post perforations in the buccal roots of upper molars and in the mesial roots of lowers. Ten operators instrumented 22 molars utilizing a variety of techniques. The teeth were horizontally sectioned and remaining wall thicknesses were measured under magnification. Excessively thin walls were found on the furcation surfaces of the buccal roots of upper molars and the mesial roots of lowers at a level 2-4 mm apical to the trifurcation or bifurcation. A potential for root stripping and post perforation, which was not readily apparent in pre-operative radiographs, was confirmed. The ramifications of these findings are discussed.