Introducing Radio-Opaque Radio-Lucent Graduated Root Canal Length Indicating Cones (GRCLIC) in Endodontics

Abstract

Radio Opaque-Radiolucent Graduated Root-Canal Length Indicating Cone (GRCLIC) is a new innovative device being introduced for the first time in endodontics literature. GRCLIC can present more accurate measurement of the root canal length in conventional radiographs in endodontic and root canal treatment. Like many other dental and medical specialties, endodontics has evolved and changed over the years. The changes that have occurred in the past 10 years, however, have been of great magnitude and profundity. The microscope, ultrasonic units with specially configured tips, superbly accurate microchip computerized apex locators, flexible nickel-titanium files in rotary engines, and greater emphasis on microscopic endodontic surgery have totally changed the way endodontics and endodontic surgery are practiced. Every part of endodontic treatment is controlled by a measurement of the instrument's penetration depth into the canal, while the length is typically determined in millimeters. In this research, GRCLIC was used to enhance the more accurate root canal length determination. GRCLIC was made simply using a thin plastic or optic fiber graduated millimeter-wise with a heavy metal salt. The idea behind the GRCLIC technique was to present a new methodology which is actually a pre-exposure insertion of a simple graduated flexible ruler into the tooth canal instead of classic measurement methods. The main proved advantage of GRCLIC is decreasing mal-measurements which usually lead to treatment failures. GRCLIC enhances the success of endodontics treatment practices.