Importance of effective obturation:
3D obturation of the radicular-canal system to the canal apex is fundamental for successful endodontic therapy. Inadequate apical seal is a major cause of failure in nonsurgical endodontic treatment. In accordance to a number of studies, incomplete filling of the root canal system achieved up to 60% of failures in endodontics1. (Ingle JI 2008) This can be attributed to the complexity of root canal system, with its irregularities, anastomoses between canals, and the presence of accessory and lateral canals. As a result, 3D sealing of the root canal becomes difficult.
The achievement of a three-dimensionally well-filled root canal by a well compacted and tightly adapted root filling is one of the goals of endodontic treatment aiming to complete closure of the dentinal wall-core material interface(apically and laterally) to achieve the best radicular seal.
Dow and ingle (1955)2found that incompletely filled root canals leaks extensively. Microleakage in the root canal is considered the movement of periapical tissue fluids, microorganisms, and their associated byproducts along the interface of the dentinal walls and the root filling material (Gutmann 1992)3.
Even though there is no evidence that quantifies the amount of leakage a root canal must exhibit before being detrimental clinically, studies have shown that microleakage adversely affects the success of root canal therapy. Saunders and Saunders (1994)4 found that accessory and lateral canals are considered a way for radicular leakage.