Access is the first and most important phase of root

canal treatment. A well-designed access preparation

is essential for a good endodontic result

“Access is Success”
Objectives Of Access Cavity Preparation

(1) To remove all caries,

(2) To conserve sound tooth structure,

(3) To completely unroof the pulp chamber,

(4) To remove all coronal pulp tissue (vital or necrotic),

(5) To locate all root canal orifices,

(6) To achieve straight- or direct-line access to the apical foramen or to the initial curvature of
the canal, and

(7) To establish restorative margins to minimize marginal leakage of the restored tooth. (Cohen
Objectives of access cavity preparation:
(1) to remove all caries,
(2) to conserve sound tooth structure,
(3) to completely unroof the pulp chamber,
(4) to remove all coronal pulp tissue (vital or necrotic),
(5) to locate all root canal orifices,
(6) to achieve straight line access (SLA) or direct line access to the apical foramen or to the
initial curvature of the canal, and
(7) to establish restorative margins to minimize marginal leakage of the restored tooth. (Cohen
 Principles of access cavity preparation
1. Outline form.

2. Convenience form.

3. Removal of remaining carious dentin and defective restorations.

4. Toilet of the cavity.

1.Outline form:
Established by mechanically projecting the internal anatomy to the external surface.

Three factors regulating the outline form:

a. Size of pulp chamber: Young patients extensive. Old patient limited.

b. Shape of pulp chamber:

Anteriors Triangular.

Premolars Oval or ovoid.

Molars Triangular.

c. Number and direction of root canals.

2. Convenience form:
It is the form given to the access cavity to improve visibility, instrumentation and obturation of
the root canal by providing a straight line access (SLA) from occlusal surface to the apical
foramen.

Benefits:

1. Unobstructed access to the orifices.

2. Direct access to the apical foramina.

3. Complete authority over the instrument.

4. Expansion to accommodate filling techniques.

3- Removal of remaining carious dentin and defective restorations:
Reasons of removing caries and defective restorations:

1. Elimination of bacteria.

2. Elimination of discolored tooth structure.

3. Elimination of the possibility of coronal leakage

4- Toilet of the cavity:
All caries, calcified debris and necrotic material should be removed by irrigation from the pulp
chamber before radicular preparation is begun to avoid obstruction of the root canals.
 (FG)

90o
45o
6-First law of orifice location: The orifices of the root canals are always located at the junction
of the walls and the floor.

7-Second law of orifice location: The orifices of the root canals are always located at the angles
in the floor–wall junction.
Fig. 3 The basic pulp canal shape and
suggested access cavity openings in the
maxillary teeth

L
Fig. 4 The basic pulp canal shape and
L
suggested access cavity openings in the
mandibular teeth