“Glide Path” in endodontics

Maintenance of the original root canal morphology is mandatory during root canal preparation. The creation of a glide path is an important clinical procedure to pre-shape the root canal from orifice to apical foramen to prevent shaping errors. A successful glide path reduces torsional stress, creates a smooth and original shape for subsequent root canal preparation, and reduces procedural errors such as instrument failure, canal transportation, and ledge formation. The glide path preparation was usually realized with conventional stainless steel hand files; however, in recent years, numerous nickel-titanium rotary files have been specially designed for glide path preparation. This review aims to provide current information about the glide path, glide path preparation techniques, and glide path files.