The risk of perforation in the curved canal:anticurvature filing compared with the stepback technique

Abstract

Summary. Anticurvature filing using the stepback technique was compared with the standard circumferential stepback method, in the mesial roots of 30 extracted human mandibular teeth. Anticurvature filing was shown to reduce the risk of perforation through the furcal surface of the root. A greater risk of perforation into the furcation was found at a level 8 mm from the apex than at 5 mm.