Endo Video Tip: M4 Handpiece
December 6, 2019
Love Your Patients, Save their Teeth
February 14, 2020
Be honest. Do you always take the time to reduce your patient’s occlusion before you start your root canal? Well, here is another quick tip for you, all about occlusal reduction.
I love these quick tips because all they require is a small shift to change your endo game for the better. And they are usually FREE!
Reducing your patient’s occlusion is beneficial for two significant reasons.
First, you are reducing their post-operative pain.
See, after you are done with your root canal, the patient’s body is going to go into a period of wound healing, and inflammation is going to kick in. That tooth will now be slightly elevated in the socket.
So if you don’t want your patient to bang on that tooth in the immediate post-op period, you will take that tooth down a bit before you get started.
Second, this little act will make your entire procedure go even more smoothly.
By reducing the cusp tips, you are creating a flat platform your rubber stopper can lay against while you work. Plus, you now have a repeatable reference point to keep going back to. This way you will remain consistent throughout your procedure with respect to your working length, and your obturation will be more accurate.
It also makes looking into your access a little easier because you no longer have that cusp in the way.
One final tip:
I always suggest doing your occlusal reduction at the beginning of the appointment BEFORE you place the rubber dam.
Want to know why? Because it is so easy to catch your rubber dam with your bur and make a nice big hole in it. So, if you want to save your rubber dams, you will make this your first step right after you get your patient numb.
Have questions? Let me know.
-Sonia
25 Comments
thank q for ur advice i appreciate it.
Number 3. Also helps reduce chance of fracture before provision of a definitive restoration, due to removal of NWSI etc.
Great points. Thx fir the reminder!
I’m glad you found it useful!
-Sonia
You’re so welcome!
-Sonia
That’s a great point! Thanks for bringing that to light!
-Sonia
You are right. Since I begun doing this It is easier for the patient and for me too! Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear that, Carlos!
-Sonia
Very well explained found it really useful and informative. Your approach is unique.
Hello mam.
Reducing cusp will there any hamper on occlusion force on mastication if pt. Is delaying In crown or In case of deep class1 rct .. 🙏
Hello mam.
Reducing cusp will there any hamper on occlusion force on mastication if pt. Is delaying In crown or In case of deep class1 rct .. 🙏
You are absolutely right. Thank you 😊
And crown prep will be faster because occlusal reduction is already done – just need to check and do minimal adjustments if needed.
I think the key is not to delay the crown. I don’t want you to take too much off and sometimes you do need to keep some point of contact especially on a mandibular second molar.
-Sonia
Yes, exactly! One more added benefit.
-Sonia
I’m so glad this was helpful for you, Dr. Gabani!
-Sonia
You are very welcome. Thanks for reading!
-Sonia
Reducing occlusion might enable you to use 25mm files instead of 31mm files in many cases making it easier on the patient and the doctor.
Thanks for sharing . How much occlusion should be reduced? You mean there should be no contact with opposing tooth? plz elaborate
Thats a good suggestion.thanks
You’re welcome. Thank you for reading.
-Sonia
Absolutely, it’s always easier to use a shorter file!!
-Sonia
I just like to lighten it up. I don’t want to remove the entire contact, but I also don’t want it to be the only thing that touches. I usually just take down each cusp a little bit.
-Sonia
Primarily reduce the functional cusp?
I typically reduce all the cusps. However, don’t do this if you feel that it could have a negative impact on the occlusion.
-Sonia