A clinical guide to endodontics - update part 1.

This is the first of two opinion papers that aim to provide a review of changes and developments that have occurred within the field of root canal treatment for both permanent and primary teeth since the publication in 2004 of the BDJ's textbook A clinical guide to endodontics. This, the first part, considers the changes in thinking and practice that have occurred with regard to the treatment of permanent teeth, in particular the continued significant move toward the use of nickel titanium rotary instruments. Knowledge of the changes discussed in this paper is essential both for the best possible prognosis of treatment, and when obtaining informed or valid consent to treatment.