Endodontic morphology. I. An alternative method of study.

Several techniques have been reported for the demonstration of canal systems in vitro. An additional technique has been developed which allows for the study of the internal anatomy of teeth prior to and after instrumentation on the same specimens. The use of a water-soluble contrast medium infused into root canal systems provides for easy removal of the contrast medium without alteration of the internal anatomy of the teeth. The pulps were eliminated from 164 extracted human teeth by enzyme action; the pulp chambers and root canal systems were filled under vacuum with a water-soluble, radiopaque contrast medium; and each tooth was radiographed from three angles with the contrast medium in situ. The contrast medium was cleared and an additional radiograph was taken. The potential for this procedure in the evaluation and assessment of the technique of canal preparation has been projected.