Obturation
Pronunciation: ob-tyoo-RAY-shun
The three-dimensional filling and sealing of the root canal space following debridement and shaping.
Full Definition
Obturation refers to the clinical procedure of completely filling the cleaned and shaped root canal system with a biocompatible material—most commonly gutta-percha combined with a sealer—to prevent recontamination of the canal by oral microorganisms. In endodontic literature and operative reports, the term specifically denotes the filling phase as distinct from the shaping, cleaning, or irrigation phases of root canal treatment. Editors should note that 'obturation' is not synonymous with 'filling' in lay contexts; 'filling' typically refers to a coronal restoration. The adjective form is 'obturated' and the noun for the material used is 'obturating material' or 'obturant'. The term is never hyphenated.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid substituting 'filling' for 'obturation' in clinical documents, as 'filling' is ambiguous and may be interpreted as a coronal restoration by non-specialist readers.
In Context
- "Obturation was completed using warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer." — Operative report
- "Radiographic evaluation confirmed dense, homogeneous obturation to the working length." — Post-treatment radiographic report