LEDGES – CAUSES, PREVENTION, TREATMENT

Dr. Dimitar Kosturkov, DMD, PhD

Department of Conservative Dentistry

Faculty of Dental Medicine

Medical University – Sofia

Bulgaria
Endodontic ledges are among the most common challenges during the mechanical preparation of root canals. They can significantly complicate treatment, increasing the risk of instrument fracture, perforations, missed canals, inadequate or failed disinfection and obturation of the endodontic space, ultimately leading to treatment failure.
This lecture aims to present in detail:

• the main causes of ledge formation – anatomical features, access errors, and mistakes during instrumentation;
• potential complications following the creation of ledges;
• preventive strategies, including modern techniques for isolation and access, as well as recommendations for proper instrument and protocol selection;
• methods for identifying and managing already formed ledges in order to restore the canal’s anatomical patency and successfully complete the treatment.

The lecture is intended for general dental practitioners, residents, and specialists in endodontics who wish to enhance their skills and minimize the risk of complications during root canal treatment.