In modern endodontic treatment the emphasis is placed far more on cleaning and preparing the root canal system than on filling it. This does not mean that root canal obturation is less important, but that the success of endodontic treatment depends on meticulous root canal preparation.
The purpose of a root canal filling, as illustrated in Figure 1, is to seal the root canal system to prevent: Microorganisms from entering and reinfecting the root canal system; Tissue fluids from percolating back into the root canal system and providing a culture medium for any residual bacteria.
The purpose of a root canal filling, as illustrated in Figure 1, is to seal the root canal system to prevent: Microorganisms from entering and reinfecting the root canal system; Tissue fluids from percolating back into the root canal system and providing a culture medium for any residual bacteria.
In the past, attention has been focussed on the importance of obtaining an hermetic apical seal. However, research has indicated that as well as sealing the root canal system apically, it is equally important to ensure that the coronal access to the canal itself has a fluid-tight seal, to prevent infection from the oral cavity.
Although numerous materials have been used to fill root canals, the most universally accepted is gutta-percha.