Category: EPA-4

EPA 4C: Endodontics

Endodontics
Meets Expectations of the Graduate
Progressing
Below Expectations
Critical Error
Isolation and Tissue Management
  • Optimal isolation under the limits of the case
  • Rubber dam placement requiring minor correction (such as flossing through contact point or use of caulking agent)
  • Rubber dam torn, or not retracted from the wings of the clamp
  • Not able to place rubber dam, incorrect tooth isolated, or clamp not ligated with floss
Access Preparation
Location, size, and shape
  • Correct location
  • Shape and size reflects the internal anatomy
  • Correct location and shape
  • Size: up to 1.5mm smaller or bigger
  • Distally or medially located
  • Wrong shape size: > 1.5mm smaller or bigger
  • Compromised cusps or ridges (Restorability)
Extension
  • Correct extensions
  • Not reaching the limits of ONE of the extensions
  • Going beyond ONE of the extensions
  • Not reaching ALL the limits of the extensions (too small) or going beyond ALL the extensions (too large)
Deroofing ANTERIOR:
  • Access deroofed the chamber with no pulp horns remaining and/or connection between
  • Removal of the lingual shoulder
ANTERIOR:
  • Partial catching of the probe on ONE or TWO of the walls (partial unroofed pulp horn) Incomplete lingual shoulder removal
ANTERIOR:
  • Deep catching of the probe on ONE or MORE walls (partial unroofed pulp horn)
  • Incomplete lingual shoulder removal
ANTERIOR:
  • Only pulp horn located, chamber not de-roofed.
  • No removal of the lingual shoulder
PREMOLAR AND MOLAR:
  • Access deroofed the chamber with no pulp horns remaining and/or connection between
PREMOLAR AND MOLAR:
  • Partial catching of the probe on one or two walls
PREMOLAR AND MOLAR:
  • Deep catching of the probe on ONE or MORE walls (partial unroofed pulp horn)
PREMOLAR AND MOLAR:
  • Only pulp horn located, chamber not deroofed
Gouging
  • Internal walls and floor of the pulp access without bur indentation or slight bur indentation
  • Internal walls and floor of the pulp shallow bur indentation on ONE or TWO of the side walls
  • Internal walls and floor of the pulp access with deep bur indentations that does not perforate or compromise integrity
  • Internal wall or floor of the pulp access perforated
Caries Removal
  • Complete caries removal with the removal of undermine tooth structure and removal of questionable restoration
  • Caries removed but cavity left unadjusted for temporary or permanent restoration
  • Partial removal of caries and or undermined tooth structure
  • Presence of caries
Work Length Determination
File Position
  • File is at zero reading of apex locator
  • File is 1mm beyond apex locator
  • File is 1.5mm beyond apex locator
  • File is > 2mm beyond apex locator
Reference Point
  • Rubber stopper seated perpendicular to a reliable repeatable point
  • File must be removed to reach the reliable repeated point
  • Reference point using a rubber stopper not identified clinically or by radiograph
  • Reference point using a rubber stopper not identified clinically or by radiograph
Root Canal Instrumentation
Taper
  • Canal evenly tapered throughout preparation to WL (shown on final radiograph)
  • Canal tapered with small irregularities
  • Canal shows significant irregularities
  • Canal with perforation
Maintaining Original Canal Shape
  • Absence of canal transportation, zipping, striping, ledges or perforations
  • Slight ledge
  • Transportation or instrument separation
  • Stripping, zipped foramen and any other type of perforation
Root Canal Obturation
Master Cone Selection
  • Master cone is 0.5–1.5mm short to radiographic apex (1.0mm is ideal) (consistent with WL file Rx)
  • Master cone is at the radiographic apex
  • Master cone is short 1.5mm or more of the radiographic apex
  • Master cone is beyond the radiographic apex
Tug Back
  • Master gutta-percha cone with tug back is at the WL
  • Master gutta-percha cone with slight resistance to removal only
  • No tug back at all
  • Cone passing apical foramen
Apical Condensation
  • 5–7mm apical down pack radiograph shows gutta-percha in proper length with no voids in apical third of canal
  • No sealer extrusion or minimum amount of sealer extrusion
  • 5–7mm apical down pack radiograph at the radiograph apex. Minor voids in the apical third
  • Some sealer extrusion
  • 5–7mm apical down pack radiograph not in the proper length (shorter). Presence of voids in the apical third of canal
  • No sealer used
  • 5–7mm apical down pack radiograph not in the proper length (longer) and/or with significant voids in the apical third of canal
  • Extreme amount of sealer extrusion or no sealer used
Final Condensation
  • Final obturation radiograph shows gutta-percha at control length (similar to WL file and MC radiographs 0.5–1.5mm)
  • Overall filling with no voids or small voids in non-critical area
  • Final obturation radiograph shows gutta-percha at the radiographic apex
  • Minor voids
  • Final obturation radiograph shows filling that is 1.5mm shorter or more form radiographic apex
  • Significant voids
  • Final obturation radiograph shows filling beyond apex
  • Overall filling with large voids in critical areas (ex. apical foramen)
Proper Cleaning
  • Proper cleaning of the pulp chamber from gutta-percha and sealer
  • Gutta-percha removed to CEJ or removed apically 1–2mm from CEJ
  • Gutta-percha removed from the pulp chamber (at CEJ or 1–2mm from CEJ) but sealer not properly cleaned
  • Gutta-percha removed from the pulp chamber more than 3mm from CEJ
  • Sealer not properly cleaned
  • Gutta-percha and sealer not removed from pulp chamber at all