Abstract : Calcipex, a calcium hydroxide-containing paste, has been generally used as an intracanal dressing recently. However, Calcipex must be removed from the root canal to obtain a hermetic seal of the root canal filling. This study compared four techniques of removing Calcipex from the root canal. Extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in this study. A step-back filing technique was used to prepare the canals. Calcipex was introduced into the root canal with a needle, then the root canal was temporarily sealed, and the teeth were stored for 24 hours. After 24 hours, Calcipex inside the root canals was removed by : (a) alternating irrigation with 5% NaOCl and 3% H₂O₂ with Rootclin Needle ; (b) alternating irrigation with Rootclin Needle followed by Smearclean, 3% EDTA solution, irrigation ; (c) alternating irrigation with Clean Washing Needle ; and (d) ultrasonic irrigation. The residual Calcipex in the apical third portions of the canal walls was evaluated. A small amount of Calcipex remained near the apex when alternating irrigation with Rootclin Needle was used. Removal of Calcipex was acceptable when either alternating irrigation with Clean Washing Needle or ultrasonic irrigation was used.

Abstract : We questioned general practitioners about root canal medicaments, sealing materials and also visiting frequency in pulpectomy and root canal treatment. The questionnaire was published in a newspaper, and was returned by fax by readers.

 1. In pulpectomy, the type of root canal medicaments used varied by years since university graduation of the dentists. The medicine used immediately after pulpectomy was Periodon^®. The usage frequency of FC was high after the second treatment. Also the visiting times significantly increased as the number of root canals to be treated increased.

 2. In infected root canal treatment, almost all of the root canal medicaments used were FC. The visiting times significantly increased as the number of root canals to be treated increased.

 3. The usage frequency of hydraulic temporary filling material increased with fewer years since university graduation.

Abstract : This study examined the frequency of and operators’ attitude to using the rubber dam isolation technique in endodontic treatment.

 Questionnaires were given to 190 general dental practitioners who were attending Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Courses of Endodontics organized by the Dental Alumni Association of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU). In addition, they were mailed to 1,264 dentists who were members of the Japan Endodontic Association (JEA). The questionnaires were returned by 186 (98%) CDE Course participants and 452 (36%) JEA members, respectively. Only 5.4% of the CDE Course participants routinely used rubber dam, whereas 25% of the JEA members did.

 In order to examine operators’ recognition of rubber dam, another kind of questionnaire was given to 34 members of the Section of Pulp Biology and Endodontics (SPBE), Graduate School, TMDU, and to 53 young dentists who were trainees in the second year at the TMDU Dental Hospital. Ninety-six per cent of the trainees and 56% of the SPBE members answered that the rubber dam isolation technique made the patient feel uncomfortable.

 The importance of the rubber dam isolation technique should be emphasized more both in undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic education.