A root canal treatment is the most common procedure performed in endodontics, the branch of dentistry that is concerned with diseases of tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the teeth. The procedure begins with the removal of all diseased and infected pulp, after which the dentist shapes the root canal for filling and sealing with a biocompatible compound. The filling stage is known in dental literature as obturation.
Identification
Gutta percha is the material typically used as root canal filling. Gutta percha is a rubber-like substance and comes in shaped cones. After shaping the root canal for filling, gutta percha cones are used along with a paste-like sealer. The dentist applies sealer to the gutta percha cone before placing the cone inside the root canal.
Features
According to the British Dental Journal, root canal filling should be biocompatible, as well as capable of sealing the root canal and conforming to the contours of an individual canal. Filling also should be unaffected by tissue fluid and easy to remove, if necessary. The latter is important in case a second root canal treatment is needed because of reinfection. Gutta percha has these qualities, making it an appropriate root canal filling material.
Function
The purpose of root canal filling is to seal the canal and prevent bacteria from entering the system and causing new infection of the root canal. Filling also is intended to stop tissue fluid, such as patient saliva, from penetrating the root canal system, providing culture for any residual microorganisms in the system. For a successful root canal filling, the dentist must be sure to seal the ends of the root canal. The seal involves a gutta percha point, followed by cement.
Considerations
Various root canal filling techniques exist, but the two most common involve injecting cones or points of gutta percha. The techniques are known as cold compaction. The British Dental Journal, however, advocates a technique that involves warming gutta percha before injecting it into the root canal system. A concern about this approach, however, is that warmed gutta percha contracts after cooling.
Expert Insight
A 2006 study of root canal filling techniques involving the use of gutta percha found significant results that favored procedures using warm gutta percha.
Tags: root canal, gutta percha, root canal filling, canal filling, root canal filling, canal filling