Contracted endodontic cavities: the foundation for less invasive alternatives in the management of apical periodontitis

Compromised structural or mechanical integrity of teeth results in different types of tooth fractures, which are known to be one of the most common causes for tooth extraction. Minimally invasive concepts and procedures are currently advocated as less invasive alternatives to traditional treatments. Recent advances in the available resources and technologies have made a significant impact on endodontic treatment procedures, allowing minimally invasive treatment procedures such as contracted endodontic cavities for preserving coronal and radicular tooth structure. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for understanding the clinical reasoning for contracted endodontic cavities and their possible benefits in contemporary endodontics.