Root-End Filling
A retrograde restorative material placed into a prepared cavity at the resected root end to seal the root canal system during periapical surgery.
Full Definition
Root-end filling is the material placed into a class I retrograde cavity following root-end resection, sealing the apical terminus against bacterial re-entry. Historically, amalgam was the predominant root-end filling material; contemporary practice favours MTA or Biodentine due to their biocompatibility, setting in the presence of moisture, and sealing ability. In manuscripts, editors should ensure the material used is explicitly named and that 'root-end filling' (the material or act of placement) is not confused with 'root-end preparation' (the cavity created to receive the material). The term is hyphenated as a compound noun phrase.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'root-end' when used as a compound modifier or compound noun. Do not write 'retrograde filling material' and 'root-end filling' interchangeably without confirming the author's intent.
In Context
- "MTA was selected as the root-end filling material due to its superior biocompatibility compared with amalgam." — Surgical endodontic case report
- "The manuscript must distinguish between root-end preparation (cavity design) and root-end filling (material placed)." — Peer-review feedback