The evolution of instrumentation and obturation leading to a simplified approach.

The evolution of endodontic treatments has included the introduction of rotary crown-down nickel-titanium instrumentation and the use of thermoplasticized gutta percha to obturate canals. Although these techniques have provided dentists with solutions to problems encountered with earlier generation endodontic procedures, they have also presented deficiencies that are now receiving some critical review. As a result, a systematic technique has been developed that provides a simplified approach for root canal instrumentation and predictable obturation. This article reviews the aspects of earlier endodontic techniques and provides the step-by-step clinical protocol involved with simplified endodontic techniques.