Root Canal Obturation Techniques and Materials

10 Questions

What is the purpose of establishing a barrier to the passage of microorganisms from the oral cavity to the peri-radicular tissues?

Prevent coronal leakage

When should a tooth be obturated according to the text?

Foul odor absent

What is the main purpose of root canal obturation?

To establish a favorable biological environment for tissue healing

What is the recommended objective of successful endodontic treatment mentioned in the text?

To achieve a three-dimensional fluid impervious seal

According to the American Association of Endodontics, how should the root canal be filled?

Minimally using root canal sealers

What does underextension in root canal filling refer to?

Incomplete filling without achieving apical seal

Which factor is crucial for the success of endodontic treatment?

Thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system

What should the obturated root canal reflect radiographically according to the text?

Dense filling close to cemento-dentinal junction

What is the definition of obturation according to the American Association of Endodontics?

Establishing an adequate seal with minimal sealers

Why is it important to obturate the canal?

To prevent re-infection and establish an adequate seal

Study Notes

Root Canal Obturation

Root canal obturation is the three-dimensional filling of the entire root canal system as close to the cemento-dentinal junction as possible.
The objective is to prevent percolation of periapical exudate into the root canal space and re-infection.

Importance of Obturation

To stop coronal leakage by establishing a barrier to the passage of microorganisms from the oral cavity to the peri-radicular tissues.
To entomb and isolate surviving microorganisms that may survive the cleaning and shaping procedure by using an antibacterial sealer.
To reduce the risk of bacterial movement and fluid percolation into the canal system from gingival sulcus or periodontal pockets and periapical areas.

When to Obturate the Canal

The tooth is asymptomatic.
Canals are dry and there is no excessive exudate or healing sinus tract.
There is an absence of foul odor and a negative culture.

Extension of Root Canal Filling

The anatomic limit of the pulp space is the dentino-cementum junction (DCJ) apically and the pulp chamber coronally.
Canals filled to the apical DCJ are filled to the apical limit of the canal.
Overfilling, underfilling, overextension, and underextension can occur if the filling material is not controlled accurately.

Objectives of Canal Obturation

To achieve total obliteration of the canal space.
To eliminate all avenues of leakage from the oral cavity or the periradicular tissues into the root canal system.
To attain a three-dimensional fluid-impervious seal apically, laterally, and coronally within the confines of the root canal system.
To achieve a radiographic appearance of a dense three-dimensional filling that extends as close as possible to the cemento-dentinal junction without gross overextension or underfilling.