Coronal Seal
The restoration placed at the coronal access cavity to prevent microleakage of oral bacteria into the obturated root canal system.
Full Definition
The coronal seal is the final restorative barrier applied to the access cavity following root canal obturation, serving as the primary defence against coronal microleakage. Research consistently demonstrates that failure of the coronal seal is a major contributor to endodontic re-infection, sometimes outweighing the quality of the root canal filling itself. Acceptable coronal seal materials include resin composite, amalgam, or a full-coverage crown. In clinical writing, 'coronal seal' is often used interchangeably with 'coronal restoration,' though strictly the seal refers to the seal integrity rather than the restorative material alone. Editors should watch for inconsistent capitalisation; it is rendered in lower case unless opening a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Do not capitalise mid-sentence. Not synonymous with 'obturation'; obturation refers to canal filling, whereas the coronal seal is the access cavity restoration placed above it.
In Context
- "The endodontist emphasised that placement of an adequate coronal seal within four weeks of obturation is critical to long-term prognosis." — Patient referral letter
- "Failure of the coronal seal, rather than poor canal shaping, was identified as the primary cause of re-infection in this case series." — Peer-reviewed journal article