Victor, ChristiaanVan der Vyver, Petrus JacobusVorster, MartinVally, Zunaid Ismail2021-10-292021-10-292020-10Victor, C., Van der Vyver, P.J., Vorster M. et al. 2020, 'Root canal preparation with reciprocating instruments', South African Dental Journal, vol. 75, no. 9, pp. 493-504.1029-4864 (print)2519-0105 (online)10.17159/2519-0105/2020/v75no9a4http://hdl.handle.net/2263/82291It is well described that the presence of microbial flora in the pulp space of the tooth, and the inability of the immune system to remove these pathogens, are the major sources of peri-apical and radicular inflammation. 1 Eradication of these pathogens from the pulp and root canal space by means of cleaning, shaping, disinfecting and complete obturation is necessary to safeguard the health of the periodontal tissues from endodontic infection and subsequent breakdown.en© 2020 E-Doc cc. The SADJ is licensed under Creative Commons Licence CC-BY-NC-4.0.ToothImmune systemPathogensHealthArticle