title: To do a "root canal".
abstract: Endodontic treatment is often referred to as "a root canal". This article discusses the need to be more refined and descriptive in the selection of treatment alternatives. The pathological involvement of teeth needing endodontic treatment varies significantly from superficial pulp inflammation to pulp necrosis and infection, often complicated with a periradicular osteolytic process. This diversity should lead to a variety of treatment modalities based on the severity of the disease. Failure to do so and use a one-size-fits-all approach--"a root canal"--is an oversimplification and a disservice to the patient and the profession.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington 06030-1715, USA. Spangberg@nso1.uchc.edu
authors.forename: Larz S W
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Spångberg
mesh_terms: D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019233:Retreatment; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000145:classification; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants