Three-dimensional Obturation “Thrill to fill”

Abstract

an important goal in endodontic treatment. To achieve this goal, the root canal filling must seal the pulp space both apically and laterally to prevent further apical irritation from incomplete elimination of bacterial products.1 In the past, the adequacy of root canal filling procedure was primarily based on its vertical appearance on the dental radiograph and whether the material had reached the radiographic apex or not. But now what is required is a deeper appreciation of the importance of filling canals laterally as well as vertically.1 Herbert Schilder describes the final objective of endodontic procedure as being the “total obturation of root canal space” or filling the radicular space threedimensionally. Rich Mounce in 2004 defined threedimensional (3D) obturation as placing a homogeneous and dense filling material, from the canal orifice to the minor constriction of the apical foramina, as well as into all anatomical ramifications. Clifford Ruddle described that 3D obturation is done in a space that differs from root to root and teeth to teeth, thus it becomes a challenge to cleaning and shaping.2 Shaping of the canal always facilitates the 3D obturation by allowing prefit pluggers to work deep and move the thermosoftened gutta-percha into all aspects of the root canal. Gutta-percha is the most important root canal filling material accepted in dentistry today because it is least irritating and least toxic. A variety of thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques are available for the 3D obturation.3 Since not much research is available on the volume adequacy and 3D obturation of the material; thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the volume adequacy of 3D obturating techniques, namely, Thermafil and Calamus utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).