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Master Root Canals with Confidence
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Instrumentation Sequencing
I wanted to share a simple instrumentation protocol that can help you safely shape most moderate difficulty cases.
This is the general sequencing I personally use when breaking down canal preparation into coronal third, middle third, and apical third.
Start by shaping the coronal third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the coronal third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file until you can.
Open the coronal third with a small tip, large taper rotary file such as Protaper SX, Vortex Orifice Opener 25/.08, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Next, shape the middle third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the middle third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file.
Shape the middle third with a medium tip, medium taper rotary file like Protaper S2, Vortex 30/.06, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Finally, shape the apical third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the apical third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file.
Once you can get a size 15 hand file patent, STOP, and confirm your working length using an apex locator.
Record your length.
Finish shaping the apex with a medium tip, small taper rotary file such as Protaper F2, Vortex 35/.04, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Make sure you're irrigating a lot during the entire process.
Keep your irrigation tip 1 mm short of the working length for safety and effectiveness.
This sequencing has worked safely for me in many routine and moderately challenging cases.
I hope this helps simplify your instrumentation approach.
If you have any questions, want to see additional video demonstrations, or would like us to create content addressing any specific clinical scenarios you're encountering, please feel free to reply directly to this email.
We're constantly building more content based on your feedback.
Root Canal Mastery Team & Dr. Erik
Want to Go Deeper?
This is just a small sample of the techniques and case-based learning available in the Root Canal Mastery full course.
Gain access to step-by-step microscope footage, troubleshooting guides, and exclusive endodontic protocols used by board-certified specialists.
👉 Join the course today to elevate your endo skills and treat calcified cases with confidence.
Instrumentation Sequencing
I wanted to share a simple instrumentation protocol that can help you safely shape most moderate difficulty cases.
This is the general sequencing I personally use when breaking down canal preparation into coronal third, middle third, and apical third.
Start by shaping the coronal third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the coronal third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file until you can.
Open the coronal third with a small tip, large taper rotary file such as Protaper SX, Vortex Orifice Opener 25/.08, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Next, shape the middle third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the middle third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file.
Shape the middle third with a medium tip, medium taper rotary file like Protaper S2, Vortex 30/.06, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Finally, shape the apical third.
Insert at least a size 15 hand file into the apical third.
If you can't, work your way up from a size 6 or 8 hand file.
Once you can get a size 15 hand file patent, STOP, and confirm your working length using an apex locator.
Record your length.
Finish shaping the apex with a medium tip, small taper rotary file such as Protaper F2, Vortex 35/.04, or any similar type file.
Work until the file no longer picks up debris or dentin shavings.
Make sure you're irrigating a lot during the entire process.
Keep your irrigation tip 1 mm short of the working length for safety and effectiveness.
This sequencing has worked safely for me in many routine and moderately challenging cases.
I hope this helps simplify your instrumentation approach.
If you have any questions, want to see additional video demonstrations, or would like us to create content addressing any specific clinical scenarios you're encountering, please feel free to reply directly to this email.
We're constantly building more content based on your feedback.
Root Canal Mastery Team & Dr. Erik
Want to Go Deeper?
This is just a small sample of the techniques and case-based learning available in the Root Canal Mastery full course.
Gain access to step-by-step microscope footage, troubleshooting guides, and exclusive endodontic protocols used by board-certified specialists.
👉 Join the course today to elevate your endo skills and treat calcified cases with confidence.
Unlock the complete course today — including  microscope-guided videos, case walkthroughs, step-by-step protocols, and CE credit.
