Jain, NidhiTushar, Suneja2009-05-282009-05-282008-07-18Jain N, Tushar S. Curved canals: ancestral files revisited. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2008 Jul-Sep; 19(3): 267-71http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/51467The aim of this article is to provide an insight into different techniques of cleaning and shaping of curved root canals with hand instruments. Although a plethora of root canal instruments like ProFile, ProTaper, LightSpeed etc dominate the current scenario, the inexpensive conventional root canal hand files such as K-files and flexible files can be used to get optimum results when handled meticulously. Special emphasis has been put on the modifications in biomechanical canal preparation in a variety of curved canal cases. This article compiles a series of clinical cases of root canals with curvatures in the middle and apical third and with S-shaped curvatures that were successfully completed by employing only conventional root canal hand instruments.engAdultBiomechanicsDental AlloysDental Pulp Cavity --abnormalitiesDental Pulp Exposure --therapyDental Pulp Necrosis --therapyEquipment DesignFemaleHumansIrrigation --methodsMaleNickelRetreatmentRoot Canal Irrigants --therapeutic useRoot Canal Obturation --methodsRoot Canal Preparation --instrumentationSodium Hypochlorite --therapeutic useTitaniumTooth Root --abnormalitiesCase Reports