Root Canal Obturation Techniques Quiz

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.
• Its success is based on the quality of access cavity design, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and a well-filled root canal system.

Importance of Root Canal 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 any microorganisms that may survive the cleaning and shaping procedure.
• 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.
• No excessive exudate or healing sinus tract.
• Absence of foul odor.
• 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.
• The importance of length control in obturation relates to extrusion of materials.

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 obtain 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.