Application of a Copper Band in Complex Endodontic Access Preparations

Complex access in endodontic therapy may compromise proper isolation of the teeth and the sealing ability of a temporary restoration between appointments. Without proper isolation and pretreatment of these teeth, particularly badly mutilated ones, the root canal systems may be contaminated, and success of endodontic treatment can be reduced. Using a copper band to pretreat a broken-down tooth had been mentioned in the literature; however, none of those reports provided detailed clinical procedures. A step-by-step technique for using a copper band as pretreatment for endodontic procedures is described and illustrated, and its advantages are discussed as well.