Historical and contemporary rationale for the

 
Hani F. Ounsi, DCD, DESE, MSBM, FICD
Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon

The aim of endodontic treatment is to seal off the pulpul space from the periodontal space. This is done with respect to biological and mechanical considerations. The choice of the actual apical limit for endodontic treatment remains a subject of controversy. Methods of determination of the apical limit have also evolved through the years and actually allow for a relatively precise determination of the root canal. However, these methods sometimes give contradictory information and leave the practitioner with a difficult choice: which one to believe? Only an evidence-based approach to endodontics that reflects both the biological basis and the mechanical approach to treatment is able to answer this question and to help in achieving excellence to meet our patients' ever growing expectations.

Saudi Dental Journal 2004;16(2):78-83.