Various Challenges Complicating Root Canal Treatment and Strategies for Overcoming Them

Root canal treatment lies at the core of endodontic practice, aiming to preserve natural teeth affected by pulp inflammation or necrosis. Despite its importance, achieving predictable success remains a challenge due to the complexity of root canal anatomy, with its network of accessory canals, isthmuses, and lateral pathways that harbor bacteria. Complete disinfection and obturation of this intricate system are notoriously difficult, leading to residual infection and post-treatment disease. Studies have highlighted that retreatment cases often face inferior outcomes when prior procedural errors, such as canal transportation, ledge formation, or perforations, complicate the anatomy. Current research increasingly emphasizes the integration of imaging technologies, advanced instrumentation, and biocompatible materials to overcome these limitations, yet the need persists for deeper understanding of the microbiological, anatomical, and procedural factors that influence long-term success.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate current knowledge and promote advancements in overcoming the procedural and biological challenges inherent in root canal therapy. It seeks to explore innovative approaches to optimize initial and retreatment outcomes, evaluate the impact of advanced diagnostic tools, and refine techniques that minimize the risk of iatrogenic complications. Key objectives include identifying best practices for managing complex anatomy, improving microbial control, and fostering evidence-based strategies that enhance the prognosis of both primary and secondary treatments.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses clinical, technological, and anatomical perspectives on the improvement of root canal treatment quality. It excludes general restorative or prosthodontic studies not directly addressing endodontic procedures.

To gather further insights within the domain of endodontic therapy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Anatomical variations and their impact on treatment planning
• Advances in imaging and instrumentation for complex canal systems
• Microbiological challenges and disinfection strategies
• Management of procedural complications such as ledges, perforations, and canal transportation
• Factors influencing the success of initial and retreatment procedures
• Novel materials and techniques in obturation and sealing
• Long-term outcomes and clinical decision-making in retreatment cases

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Root canal treatment, Endodontic retreatment, Canal anatomy, Disinfection strategies, Procedural complications, Obturation techniques, Imaging in endodontics, Treatment outcomes

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.