For decades, access cavity preparation has been taught as a standardized, step-by-step procedure. However, as our understanding of dental anatomy deepens and technology advances, it's increasingly clear that a "conventional" approach may not always serve the best interests of the tooth—or the patient.
Using a combination of clinical cases, advanced imaging, and evidence-based guidelines this lecture will challenge the dogma of “one-size-fits-all” access design. We will explore how variations in pulp chamber and root canal anatomy should influence access design. We’ll examine how to modify traditional techniques to better preserve tooth structure, avoid unnecessary complications, and improve
visibility and canal location—especially in challenging molars.
Emphasis will be placed on decision-making: knowing when to follow textbook guidelines, and when to deviate based on what the tooth—and its anatomy—demands. By moving beyond the conventional, and tailoring access to each tooth’s anatomy, we can elevate the quality of our endodontic care while minimizing structural compromise and procedural risks.
This lecture invites practitioners to rethink access not as a standardized step, but as a flexible, anatomy-guided process rather than a rigid protocol.
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