ROEN0410

Fig. 1a_A mid-root, cystic-appearing radio-lucency was noted without peri-apical involvement. Fig. 1b_Upon CBCT evaluation, a lateral portal of exit can be visualised in the centre of this mid-root radio- lucency. This aided in the diagnosis of disease of endodontic origin and furthered the success of treatment. Fig. 1c_Lateral system instrumented with a sharp J-curve of a stiff #15 hand file. Fig. 2a_When the cyst was surgically removed, the mid-root lateral was noted to be sealed with gutta-percha. Fig. 2b_The sealed upward-facing lateral can be seen on the post-op digital image. 22 I I special _ advancements in endodontics _Endodontics is currently experiencing an ex- citing period in its evolution: a period when progres- sive clinicians have become empowered to increase theirratesofsuccessowingtonewtechnologiesthat enhancevision,disinfectionandtheprotectivesealof the entire root-canal system. Early in my endodontic journey, Dr Herbert Schilder, a pioneering clinician, encouraged me to reach my full potential. We all aspire to reach our individual potential, and it is this collectivepursuitofexcellencethatguidesthefuture success of our specialty. Ourpursuitofhighersuccessratescomesatatime of unique opportunity, a time when the comparative success rates between implants and endodontically treated teeth are being scrutinised1–2—and a time when some patients have been known to be advised to make decisions based mainly on a comparison of research-quoted technical success rates. Dedicatedcliniciansareabletostriveforimproved success rates owing to many recent advances in our field. This article focuses on three areas of endo- donticsthathaveundergoneprofoundadvancement recently. The efficacy of our treatment has improved owing to our increased ability to visualise, disinfect andsealtheentireroot-canalsysteminthreedimen- sions. roots4_2010 Endodontic success: The pursuit of our potential Author_ Dr Wyatt D. Simons, USA Fig. 1a Fig. 1b Fig. 1c Fig. 2bFig. 2a