The studious reader will have noted the use of the word compaction rather than condensation . In 1998, the American Endodontic Association recognised that this was a more appropriate term for the techniques used in obturation, and the term has been adopted in this text.
Several techniques have been developed for placing gutta-percha into the root canal system.
Nevertheless, the cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha is still the most widely taught, and the technique against which most others are compared. However, as there is a demand for saving teeth with complex pathology and root canal morphology (Fig. 2), it is sometimes easier to combine the merits of various techniques in a hybrid form to simplify the filling procedure. Studies have shown that these are satisfactory, although not always as easy as lateral compaction to carry out. 5,6
Before a root-filling is inserted, it is essential that the canals are dry. Any serous exudate from the periapical tissues indicates the presence of inflammation. Calcium hydroxide may be used as a root canal dressing until the next visit (calcium hydroxide BP mixed with purified water or local anaesthetic solution to a thick paste see Part 9).