Apical Plug
A barrier of biocompatible material placed at the apex of an immature or open-apex tooth to create a stop for subsequent obturation.
Full Definition
An apical plug (also called an apical matrix or apical barrier) is a technique used in teeth with immature apices or wide-open apical foramina, where the absence of a natural apical stop prevents conventional obturation. A biocompatible material—most commonly MTA or Biodentine—is condensed to a thickness of 3–5 mm at the apical end of the canal, providing a physical stop against which the remainder of the canal can be filled. The apical plug technique is a distinct procedure from apexification; editors must not substitute one term for the other. Documents describing this technique should specify the material used and the confirmed plug thickness.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'apexification', which is a longer biological process. When editing, confirm the material and verified plug thickness are documented.
In Context
- "A 4 mm MTA apical plug was placed and the remainder of the canal was backfilled with thermoplasticised gutta-percha." — Open-apex endodontic case report
- "The term 'apical plug' should be used consistently throughout; 'apical barrier' appears three times and should be harmonised." — Copy-editing note on clinical manuscript