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Internal Tooth Anatomy and Root Canal Obturation

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Book cover The Root Canal Anatomy in Permanent Dentition

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Abstract

The ultimate objective of the root canal therapy is the three-dimensional obturation of the endodontic space after it has been completely cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. The purpose of obturation is to seal all “portals of exit” to impede any sort of communication or exchange between the endodontium and periodontium. It must therefore completely and durably fill the root canal space, in which no empty spaces should remain at all. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that most of endodontic failures are related to incomplete obturation of the endodontium. On the other hand, it is well known that the root canal system can be disinfected and not sterilized. For this reason, the canal obturation should be considered like the very last step of cleaning, because it represents the only way to neutralize the bacteria left in the root canal walls and in the dentinal tubules. Understanding the biological reasons why a cleaned, shaped root canal requires to be obturated will guide in selecting the best filling materials and techniques.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private Practice Limited to Endodontics, Florence, Italy

    Arnaldo Castellucci M.D., D.D.S.

  2. Endodontics, University of Cagliari Dental School, Cagliari, Italy

    Arnaldo Castellucci M.D., D.D.S.

  3. Micro-Surgical Endodontics, Specialty of Oral Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Arnaldo Castellucci M.D., D.D.S.

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  1. Arnaldo Castellucci M.D., D.D.S.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

    Marco A. Versiani

  2. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Bettina Basrani

  3. University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

    Manoel D. Sousa-Neto

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Castellucci, A. (2019). Internal Tooth Anatomy and Root Canal Obturation. In: Versiani, M., Basrani, B., Sousa-Neto, M. (eds) The Root Canal Anatomy in Permanent Dentition. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73444-6_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73444-6_12

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